APES Exam Review - Earth Systems and Resources

Front

What is the significance of Earth's axial tilt?

Back

Earth's axial tilt is fixed, causing variations in solar insolation throughout its revolution around the sun, which affects climate and seasons.

Front

What are the two main layers of the Earth's surface?

Back

The lithosphere (solid outer layer) and the asthenosphere (liquid layer beneath the lithosphere).

Front

How is soil texture determined?

Back

Soil texture is determined by the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in the soil.

Front

What is the soil texture of a mixture with 23% silt, 11% clay, and 66% sand?

Back

Sandy Loam.

Front

What primarily differentiates the layers of the atmosphere?

Back

Temperature.

Front

What happens to a plane flying south from the North Pole?

Back

It will be deflected to the West (right of its path) due to the Coriolis effect.

Front

Define lithosphere.

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

Define asthenosphere.

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing for tectonic plate movement.

Front

What is solar insolation?

Back

Solar insolation refers to the amount of solar radiation received by a given area, influencing climate and weather patterns.

Front

Explain the Coriolis effect.

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects (like air and water) due to Earth's rotation, causing them to turn right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.