Earth Systems and Climate Flashcard

Front

Example of a geoscience data source used to study changes in Earth’s surface.

Back

Satellite imagery

Answer explanation

Satellite imagery is a crucial geoscience data source that allows scientists to observe and analyze changes in Earth's surface, such as land use, vegetation cover, and natural disasters, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Front

What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in Earth’s atmosphere?

Back

Carbon dioxide

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas that traps heat in Earth's atmosphere, contributing significantly to global warming. Other gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon do not have the same heat-trapping effect.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Front

Which process moves carbon from the atmosphere to the biosphere?

Back

Photosynthesis

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into organic compounds, effectively moving carbon from the atmosphere to the biosphere.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Front

Which of the following best describes the coevolution of Earth’s systems and life?

Back

They have influenced each other over time.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'They have influenced each other over time,' highlights the dynamic relationship between Earth's systems and life, where changes in one can lead to adaptations in the other, shaping both the environment and living organisms.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-7

Front

What is a direct result of increased rainfall on Earth’s surface?

Back

Increased river erosion

Answer explanation

Increased rainfall leads to more water flow in rivers, which enhances their ability to erode banks and beds. This process results in increased river erosion, making it the direct consequence of higher rainfall.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Front

Which energy source drives most of the processes in Earth’s climate system?

Back

The Sun

Answer explanation

The Sun is the primary energy source for Earth's climate system, driving processes like photosynthesis, weather patterns, and ocean currents. Other options, like the Moon and Earth's core, do not significantly influence climate.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

Front

Which sphere is directly involved when carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean?

Back

Hydrosphere

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere includes all water bodies on Earth. When carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, it directly interacts with the water, making the hydrosphere the correct sphere involved in this process.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Front

Which event is evidence for the coevolution of life and Earth’s atmosphere?

Back

The Great Oxygenation Event

Answer explanation

The Great Oxygenation Event is a key example of coevolution, as it marked a significant increase in oxygen levels due to photosynthetic organisms, fundamentally altering Earth's atmosphere and enabling diverse life forms to thrive.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-7

Front

If a large area of forest is removed, which Earth system is most directly affected first?

Back

Biosphere

Answer explanation

The biosphere, which includes all living organisms, is most directly affected when a large area of forest is removed. This loss impacts habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystems immediately.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Front

Which of the following best describes climate?

Back

The average weather conditions over a long period

Answer explanation

Climate refers to the average weather conditions in a specific area over a long period, typically 30 years or more. This distinguishes it from short-term weather phenomena like daily temperature or rainfall.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4