Benchmark 1--EEN

Cracks in rocks widen as water in them freezes and thaws. How does this affect the surface of the Earth? 

• It reduces the rates of soil formation. 
• It changes the chemical composition of the rocks. 
• It exposes rocks to increased rates of erosion and weathering. 
• It limits the exposure of rocks to acid precipitation. 

How can urbanization affect a local area?

• It can increase the number of invasive species in an area
• It can decrease the risk of water pollution in an area.
• It can increase the risk of flooding in an area
• It can decrease the need for natural resources in an area.

Which is a farming technique that could improve the soil and the environment?

• using fueled machines that will turn the soil continuously
• creating undisturbed layers of mulch in the soil 
• placing inorganic chemical fertilizers in the soil 
• irrigating the soil with salty water 

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

A community decides to upgrade its water purification and management systems. What lasting impact could this have on available freshwater? 

• It could cause a decrease in water demand.
• It could cause a decrease in the water levels.
• It could cause an increase in waterborne diseases. 
• It could cause an increase in the freshwater supply. 

Which storm most likely develops as air masses interact with the warm water in the northwest Pacific Ocean? 

• typhoon
• tornado
• blizzard
• monsoon 

Which is associated with an increase of chlorofluorocarbons in the environment?

• an increase in health risks associated with UV radiation 
• an increase in levels of methane gas in the atmosphere 
• an increase in ozone levels in the upper atmosphere 
• an increase in acid precipitation

What long-term impact could the destruction of large areas of forests have on Earth? 

• decreased rates of erosion 
• increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels 
• decreased amounts of acid rain 
• increased atmospheric oxygen levels 

Which change would best aid a farmer in making the transition from conventional farming techniques to more sustainable farming techniques?

• reduce the ratio of essential elements in the fertilizer
• irrigate crops using well water
• rotate the types of crops grown
• plant only genetically modified crops