Unit 8 Factors Effecting Earth Systems

If a large volcano that is on an island erupts, it will impact the local ecosystem. Which of the following is NOT a way the volcano will affect the local ecosystem?

• Lava will run down from the volcano, burning down all the trees

  around the volcano.

• The lava from the volcano will heat up the air in the local area and

  kill all life in the area.

• When the volcano erupts, it will throw dust into the air affecting

  plants across the island.

• The lava will run into the ocean around the island, killing coral reef

  animals.

Most of the damage done by hurricanes is caused by —

• storm surges that flood coastal areas

• lightning from thunderstorms

• trees falling due to high winds

• windows blowing out of buildings

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which of the following describes an impact of floods on ecosystems?

• Strong winds uproot small plants and trees.

• Soil erosion along rivers prevent plants from getting sunlight.

• Homes will be destroyed and people will be injured.

• Less competition for space and resources among aquatic organisms.

A student has a birdbath made of poured concrete. When she bought it, the salesman suggested that she seal the surface with a watertight solution.

Why was this suggestion made?

• The watertight solution would slow the evaporation of water during

  periods of warm weather.

• Over time, rainwater would react with the surface of the concrete

  and deposit a mineral layer over the carved areas.

• In cold, wet weather, any water that seeped into the concrete could

  freeze and cause the birdbath to crack.

• When rainwater sits in a concrete basin, the pH becomes too acidic for the birds. The solution allows the pH to remain neutral.

A student gathered four trays and four different kinds of rock samples — granite, limestone, marble, and sandstone. She tilted the trays, put a rock sample on the top end of each tray, and used a pump to force water continuously through a tube over the rocks for four days (96 hours). She collected data and recorded observations of each rock sample at the end of each day.

The purpose of the student’s investigation is to determine —

• what kind of rock particles are suitable for purifying water

• how changes in the rate of water flow affect different kinds of rocks

• the effects of weathering on various environments of Texas

• the effects of pH on different kinds of rocks

A student gathered four trays and four different kinds of rock samples — granite, limestone, marble, and sandstone. She tilted the trays, put a rock sample on the top end of each tray, and used a pump to force water continuously through a tube over the rocks for four days (96 hours). She collected data and recorded observations of each rock sample at the end of each day.

The results of the student’s investigation will be useful for —

• a farmer choosing between contour farming or terracing to prevent

  erosion

• a shorefront property owner wanting to protect his property from

  chemical weathering

• a sculptor deciding which type of rock to use in a monument

• a golf course grounds keeper deciding what kind of turf to plant on the fairways and greens

Hurricanes along the Gulf Coastal areas of Texas increase the rate of coastal erosion. Over time, this erosion can greatly affect the coastal environment.

Which of the following is a result of erosion on coastal environments?

• Over time, coastal land areas increase.

• As waves crash on the beach, rocks are broken down.

• Competition for resources increases as habitats are lost.

• Steep canyons form from flowing rivers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following sets of equipment can be used to analyze the effects of human activity on a watershed?

• Water testing kit, triple beam balance

• Water testing kit, beaker, hotplate

• Hotplate, beaker, graduated cylinder

• Water testing kit, hand lens, notebook

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

Landfills are a way to manage trash by burying the trash underground. Modern landfills have a bottom layer of thick clay covered with a plastic liner. On top of the plastic liner, the landfill has pipes with holes that flow to collection tanks.

If a landfill lacked the clay, plastic, and pipes, how would the environment most likely be affected?

• Rainwater would not absorb into the ground below the landfill.

• Animals would be more attracted to the landfill due to odor.

• Groundwater near the landfill would be polluted.

• Garbage in the landfill would not be compacted.

A student sets up the investigation shown below.

What does the movement of colored water across the sand into the water best model?

• Evaporation of surface water

• Infiltration of groundwater

• Condensation of water vapor

• Pollution of surface water