Earth Science Regents Review 1 - Content

Front

What is Polaris?

Back

Polaris, also known as the North Star, is a star that emits light due to energy produced by nuclear fusion.

Front

Why do stars appear to revolve around Polaris in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

Stars appear to revolve around Polaris because Earth rotates on its axis.

Front

What is a trench in geological terms?

Back

A trench is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, often formed by tectonic plate subduction.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as winds and ocean currents, caused by Earth's rotation.

Front

How does an increase in Earth's axial tilt affect seasons?

Back

If Earth's axial tilt increases, summers would become warmer and winters would become cooler.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear fusion is the process by which two atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Front

What is the difference between a volcanic island arc and a continental volcanic arc?

Back

A volcanic island arc forms on oceanic crust, while a continental volcanic arc forms on continental crust.

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are caused by wind, Earth's rotation, and differences in water temperature and salinity.

Front

What is eccentricity in relation to orbits?

Back

Eccentricity measures the deviation of an orbit from being circular; a value of 0 indicates a perfect circle.

Front

What is the significance of Earth's axial tilt?

Back

Earth's axial tilt is responsible for the changing seasons as it affects the angle and intensity of sunlight received.