Which of the following is most directly responsible for the variation in seasonal weather patterns?

• Phases of the Moon
• Tilt of the Earth’s axis
• Distance from the Sun
• Rotation of the Earth on its axis

Which of the following best describes the physical process of erosion?

• the wearing down of rocks by wind and water.
• The breaking of the Earth’s crust that causes a fault.
• The movement of weathered materials by wind, ice or water.
• The mixing of weathered rock with decayed plant and animal material.

How do mountain barriers affect the climate on the leeward side?

• The temperatures would be warm and the amount of precipitation low.
• The temperatures would be warm and the amount of precipitation high.
• The temperatures would be very cold and the amount of precipitation high.
• The temperatures would be extremely cold and the amount of precipitation low.

One way farmers living in arid climate zones have adapted to the environment include —

• cutting down the rainforests
• relying on desalinization plants
• planting drought-resistant crops
• adopting terrace farming methods

How does an El Niño affect weather patterns in Texas?

• There are fewer threats from hurricanes.
• There is an increased threat of tornadoes.
• There is an increase in precipitation, mainly rainfall.
• There is a decrease in precipitation, mainly lower rainfall totals.

The physical process shown in the map would most likely result in —

• a La Niña causing drought in the summer and flooding in the winter

• typhoons that cause deforestation in both the summer and winter months

• tsunamis that cause property damage in the summer, but not during the winter

• a wide variation of heavy rains in the summer and warm, dry temperatures in the winter

The Great Plains region of the United States and Canada is characterized by a common —

• political unit
• trade network
• mountain range
• vegetation type

Which innovation had the effect of producing electricity and improving farming?

• Dams
• Nuclear plants
• Polders
• Terracing

How does a Geographic Information System (GIS) function as a resource for businesses or government officials?

• A GIS generates several surveys used to gather data about geographic patterns.
• A GIS presents data in visual forms making it easier to see geographic patterns.
• A GIS creates a variety of predictions about geographic patterns for consumers.
• A GIS produces reports about geographic decisions that have been made before.

Which of the following describes how political values have affected the character of place in the United States?

• The region has experienced waves of instability and political upheaval.
• The region is noted for its commitment to freedom and liberty for individuals.
• The region is famous for its contributions to the arts and literature of the world.
• The region has a history of government corruption and repression of the people.