STAAR REVIEW RC 3: Earth & Space

Front

Analyze the image. What could explain why certain parts of the ocean have warmer temperatures?

Back

the uneven heating of the Earth's surface

Answer explanation

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface causes variations in ocean temperatures. Areas near the equator receive more direct sunlight, leading to warmer waters, while polar regions receive less, resulting in cooler temperatures.

Front

An area of land that drains to a particular river, lake, bay, or other body of water.

Back

Watershed

Answer explanation

A watershed is the area of land that drains into a specific body of water, such as a river or lake. It collects rainfall and runoff, directing it to the water source, making 'watershed' the correct answer.

Front

What is an example of Point Source Water pollution?

Back

Wastewater pipe draining into a stream

Answer explanation

A wastewater pipe draining into a stream is a clear example of point source water pollution, as it originates from a single, identifiable source. In contrast, runoff from agriculture, precipitation, and city runoff are non-point sources.

Front

Region of the H-R Diagram with the brightest, reddest stars? Options: W, X, Y, The orange dashed line

Back

X

Answer explanation

The brightest, reddest stars are typically found in region X of the H-R Diagram, which represents red supergiants. These stars are luminous and have a cooler temperature, giving them their red color.

Front

What causes there to be longer number of hours of light during the summer?

Back

Earth tilts toward the sun in summer

Answer explanation

During summer, the Earth tilts toward the sun, resulting in longer daylight hours. This tilt causes the sun's rays to hit the Northern Hemisphere more directly, increasing the duration of sunlight.

Front

Which season is taking place in the Northern Hemisphere in Position 2?

Back

Spring

Answer explanation

In the Northern Hemisphere, spring occurs from March to June. Therefore, in Position 2, the season is spring, making it the correct answer.

Front

Warm air rises because it is __________ dense than cold air.

Back

Less

Answer explanation

Warm air rises because it is less dense than cold air. Density is a measure of mass per unit volume; warmer air has more energy and occupies more space, making it lighter and allowing it to rise.

Front

What is the process by which the ocean floor sinks beneath a deep ocean trench and back into the mantle?

Back

subduction

Answer explanation

The process by which the ocean floor sinks beneath a deep ocean trench and back into the mantle is called subduction. This occurs when one tectonic plate moves under another, leading to geological activity.

Front

What causes the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

convection currents in the mantle

Answer explanation

Most geologists believe that the movement of Earth's plates is primarily driven by convection currents in the mantle, which create heat and movement, unlike the other options listed.

Front

Water that hits land and flows into a creek, stream, or a river is best described as

Back

run-off

Answer explanation

Water that flows over land into bodies like creeks or rivers is known as run-off. This process occurs after precipitation, when excess water cannot be absorbed by the ground.