Earth Science Final Exam Review

What is most responsible for the presence of groundwater in an area? 

• the movement of water from a confined aquifer into surface water 
• the movement of surface water and precipitation through soil and rock
• the movement of water from streams and rivers to watersheds
• the movement of surface water through impermeable rock 

Which is the most common contamination source for freshwater resources? 

• runoff 
• digging wells
• melting of glaciers
• lightning

Why does Earth experience precession?

• Because the Earth revolves around the sun every 365 days
• Because of the movement of the circumpolar stars and Polaris
• Because the Earth is the third planet from the sun
• Because the plane of the moon’s orbit is tilted from the Earth’s elliptical plane

If it is summer in the northern hemisphere, which statement is true?

• Earth has changed the tilt of its axis by 20 degrees due to its revolution.
• It is winter in the southern hemisphere due to the tilt of Earth's axis.
• It is summer in the southern hemisphere due to the tilt of Earth's axis.
• Earth has reached its closest point to the sun due to its revolution.

Which describes the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

• Nuclear fission is the process that produces the radiant energy of stars, and nuclear fusion splits a heavier nucleus into smaller nuclei.
• Nuclear fission splits a heavier nucleus into smaller nuclei, and nuclear fusion is the process that produces the radiant energy of stars.
• Nuclear fission produces the energy in the core of Earth, and nuclear fusion produces energy in nuclear power plants.
• Nuclear fission produces energy in nuclear power plants, and nuclear fusion produces the energy in the core of Earth.

How does heat from the sun get to Earth?

• by radiation, using electromagnetic waves to transfer heat
• by convection, using liquids and gases to transfer the heat
• by conduction, using solids to transfer the heat
• by absorption, using primary waves to transfer the heat

How could the removal of trees and other vegetation impact an environment?

• by increasing oxygen production
• by increasing soil formation
• by increasing transpiration
• by increasing erosion

Why are ocean currents important to coastal regions?

• They produce high and low tides along coastal regions.
• They can warm or cool the air temperature along coastal regions.
• They move vertically pushing warm water and nutrients to the surface along coastal regions.
• They increase the rate of precipitation as cold water moves along coastal regions.

In which atmospheric layer of Earth do thunderstorms occur?

• thermosphere
• mesosphere
• stratosphere
• troposphere

Which statement describes the general movement of air masses?

• They move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
• They move from areas of high altitude to areas of low altitude.
• They move from areas of low humidity to areas of high humidity.
• They move from areas of low temperature to areas of high temperature.