ES SOL Review #2

A scientist studying energy transfer that occurs in the oceans, atmosphere, and Earth's interior. Which of these is the scientist most likely studying?

• pressure

• density

• gravity

• convection

Which characteristic do all of the planets in our solar system have in common?

• angle of axial tilt

• direction of revolution

• percentages of atmospheric gases

• features of a rocky crust

Which of the following events occurred first?

• birth of the earliest star

• formation of the sun

• origin of life on Earth

• the Big Bang

A low pressure system (hurricane) has moved away from the equator and directly over water. When the system reaches 60⁰N latitude, the system will most likely be a point where -

• the water temperature is at its highest level

• most of its energy is lost

• the direction of rotation has changed

• most of its wind speeds are greatest

Well logs are used by oil companies to correlate geologic formations. Based on the formations in Well A, which is the last geologic formation missing from Well B.?

• Limestone 5

• Shale 4

• Sand 7

• Shale 8

Students on a geology field trip will identify minerals by their streak. Which of these should the students bring on their field trip?

• a long, pointed iron

• a rough, white ceramic tile

• a disposable sample of talc

• a low-powered telescope

About 2.0 billion years ago, complex organisms began to inhabit the Earth. These organisms developed primarily because of -

• changes in atmospheric gases

• sunlight absorbed by land

• the eruption of volcanoes

• the impact of comets

A student hypothesizes that a sample of rock formed from ocean sediments. Which would best help the student support this hypothesis?

• a textbook about rock formation methods

• rock samples from several locations on Earth

• a model of the different crustal plate boundaries

• clam shells found within the rock sample

Crushed stone is a resource second only to coal in VA. How is crushed stone mainly used?

• as building insulation

• in steel production

• for coal mine reclamation

• as a construction material

Cloudy nights can be warmer than clear nights because clouds trap heat -

• generated by tropical winds

• produced by the friction of air particles

• released from Earth's interior

• absorbed by Earth during daylight hours