SSA-FSA Earth Science

The interaction between the cryosphere and hydrosphere can have an impact on Earth’s oceans. Which ofthe following is an example of an interaction between the cryosphere and hydrosphere?

• evaporation of water from oceans at the equator
• release of fresh water into ocean water as icebergs melt
• decomposition of organic matter at the bottom of oceans
• release of large amounts of salt from icebergs into the ocean

One physical property of a star is apparent magnitude. Which of the following is used in determining the apparent magnitude of a star?

• the constellation the star is in
• the distance the star is from Earth
• the number of times the star rotates
• the number of prominences the star makes

The surface of Mercury has many more craters than the surface of Earth has. Which of the following statements best explains why Mercury has many more craters than Earth has?

• Mercury rotates faster than Earth does.
• Mercury has a smaller mass then Earth does.
• Mercury is much closer to the Sun than Earth is
• Mercury has a thinner atmosphere than Earth does.

The water level at the beach changes during the day. What causes the different water levels?

• Earth’s revolution
• the Moon’s rotation
• Earth’s magnetic field
• the Moon’s gravitational pull

The arrows in the picture below show several ways heat is transferred from the Sun as it strikes sand on the surface of a beach.Which arrow shows convection?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

The graph below shows the relative sizes and surface temperatures of four groups of stars. The surface temperature of the stars is measured in Kelvin (K). The sun is part of the main sequence group.According to the graph, how is the Sun best described?

• massive sized, with a surface temperature of approximately 20,000 K
• massive sized, with a surface temperature of approximately 10,000 K
• average sized , with a surface temperature of approximately 8,000 K
• average sized, with a surface temperature of approximately 6,000 K

The picture below shows a simple model of the rock cycle. Use the picture to answer any questions that follow.What needs to happen at point 3 for igneous rock to transform into sedimentary rock?

• Weathering and erosion need to wear away the igneous rock, forming particles that will eventually compact and cement into sedimentary rock.
• Low temperatures at the poles need to freeze the igneous rock, cooling and hardening it into extremely dense sedimentary rock.
• Tectonic plates must collide near the igneous rock, driving it under the surface, where it melts into sedimentary rock.
• High pressures need to compact the igneous rock, eventually melting it and forming sedimentary rock as it cools.

Emily used a tray filled with dirt as a model of a stream. Emily poured water into the top of the tray and observed how much erosion happened. Emily then increased the slope of the tray and repeated the experiment.What would happen when the slope of the tray increased?

• The speed of the water and the amount of erosion would increase.
• The speed of the water and the amount of erosion would decrease.
• The speed of the water would increase, while the amount of erosion would decrease.
• The speed of the water would decrease, while the amount of erosion would increase

The picture below shows a model of the planets in the solar system. Use the picture to answer any questions that follow. How can students benefit from using this model?

• They can observe the order of the planetary bodies and compare their sizes.
• They can determine the rotational movement of each planet on its axis.
• They can study the density of the atmospheres surrounding each planet.
• They can observe the detailed surface features of each planet.

The oldest rock formation on Earth is found on the shoreline of Hudson Bay in Canada. This rock formed 4.28 billion years ago. Which information does a scientist need to most accurately determine the age of a rock?

• the percentage of each mineral that makes up the rock
• the thickness of younger rock layers that cover the rock
• the amount of each radioactive element present in the rock
• the amount of weathering present on the surface of the rock