NCFE Earth and Environmental Science Released Test

Some constellations are more prominent in the night sky of North Carolina in winter, while other constellations are more prominent in the night sky in summer. Which best explains why this occurs?

• because of Earth's rotation on its axis

• because of stars revolving around Earth

• because of Earth revolving around the sun

• because of the change in the barycenter of Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

What is most likely to occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a relatively straight line?

• a decrease in global wind patterns

• an increase in temperatures near the equator

• more earthquakes near the equator and fewer at the poles

• a larger-than-normal height difference between low tide and high tide.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

How does the energy produced by the sun travel to Earth?

• by the magnetic fields between the sun and Earth

• by the convection of heat through the particles in space

• by the radiation of electromagnetic waves through space

• by the process of conduction of heat between the sun and Earth

Which best describes how energy from the sun helps to maintain life on Earth?

• It heats Earth's atmosphere and surface, which helps stabilize temperatures on Earth and creates environments more favorable for life to exist

• It forms the ocean's water and the oxygen in the atmosphere that organisms need for life functions

• It prevents destruction of the magnetic field around the Earth that protects all life forms

• It is absorbed by Earth's mantle, which drives plate tectonics to form new land masses for organisms to live

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which of these statements best explains the shape of Earth?

• Because of its rotation about its axis, Earth has greater circumference around the equator than around the Prime Meridian

• Because of its revolution around the sun, Earth has a greater circumference around the equator than around the Prime Meridian

• Because of its rotation abut its axis, Earth has greater circumference around the Prime Meridian than around the equator

• Because of its revolution around the sun, Earth has a greater circumference around the Prime Meridian than around the equator

Which geographic features form as a result of continental-continental convergent plates?

• rift valleys

• volcanic islands

• oceanic trenches

• mountain ranges

Where are most volcanoes located?

• at divergent boundaries, transform boundaries, and hot spots

• at convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries, and hot spots

• at convergent boundaries, hot spots, and transform boundaries

• at divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

This is a diagram of a soil texture triangle. Farmers can use this chart to identify the type of soil found on their land and determine the likelihood of erosion other impact factors

What type of soil does a farmer have if the soil contains 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay?

• clay

• loam

• silty loam

• sandy loam

What would be most effective in minimizing the potential damage caused by an earthquake?

• installing sirens in areas prone to earthquakes

• building structures that withstand ground vibrations

• increasing the amount of concrete during road building

• requiring the recycling of metal and wood products

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

Bedrock that is closer to oceanic ridges is younger in age than bedrock that is farther away. What can best be concluded from this information?

• The shape of Earth's lithosphere is continually changing

• The movement of continental plates is caused by volcanic eruptions

• The oceans are becoming deeper and warmer as more rocks are produced

• The rocks on the ocean floor are producing tectonic plates that are converging

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3