Introduction to Earth's Systems

Starting with the step that involves magma and ending with melting, what are the first two steps of the rock cycle?

• New molten rock emerges from inside Earth. 2. Rock cools and hardens.

• Rock goes back into Earth and melts. 2. New molten rock emerges from inside Earth.

• Rock cools and hardens. 2. Solid rock is broken into pieces.

• New molten rock emerges from inside Earth. 2. Pieces harden into another kind of rock.

Answer explanation

The first step in the rock cycle is when new molten rock emerges from inside Earth, followed by the cooling and hardening of that rock, forming solid rock. This aligns with the correct answer choice.

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If beginning with the step that involves magma and ending with melting, what are the last 3 stages of the rock cycle?

• Stage 3. Solid rock is broken into pieces, Stage 4. Rock goes back into Earth and melts. Stage 5. Pieces harden into another kind of rock.

• Stage 3: New molten rock emerges from inside Earth. Stage 4: Rock cools and hardens. Stage 5. Solid rock is broken into pieces.

• Stage 3: Solid rock is broken into pieces. Stage 4: Pieces harden into another kind of rock. Stage 5: Rock goes back into Earth and melts.

Answer explanation

The correct choice outlines the final stages of the rock cycle: solid rock breaking into pieces, those pieces hardening into another rock type, and then the rock melting back into magma, completing the cycle.

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How is the cryosphere related to the hydrosphere?

• The cryosphere is not related to the hydrosphere.

• The cryosphere is the part of the hydrosphere in the form of water vapor

• The cryosphere is the part of the hydrosphere in the form of ice.

• The hydrosphere is actually part of the cryosphere.

Answer explanation

The cryosphere refers to the frozen water part of the Earth, primarily in the form of ice, such as glaciers and polar ice. Therefore, it is indeed a component of the hydrosphere, which encompasses all water on Earth.

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If there was a change in the hydrosphere, what would be one way that the biosphere would change as a result?

• Increased precipitation would reduce the population.

• Lower lake levels would eliminate habitats.

• Higher lake levels would reduce the amount of food available.

• Reduced precipitation would reduce the amount of available food.

Answer explanation

Reduced precipitation leads to less water availability for plants, which decreases food production. This directly impacts the biosphere, as food scarcity can reduce animal populations that rely on these plants for sustenance.

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What landforms are present in Florida?

• coastline

• dunes

• rivers (watershed)

• mountains

• glaciers

Answer explanation

Florida features a diverse range of landforms, including a long coastline, sandy dunes, and numerous rivers that form watersheds. However, it lacks significant mountains and glaciers.

What type of landforms are present in Illinois?

• Plains

• Glaciers

• Mountains

• Hills

• Lakes

Answer explanation

Illinois is characterized by flat plains and rolling hills, shaped by glacial activity. While glaciers influenced the landscape, they are not a landform type. Mountains and lakes are not prominent features in Illinois.

What landform runs along the ocean between Mexico and Washington? (Select best answer.)

• Plateau

• Sand Dunes

• Coastal Plain

• Delta

Answer explanation

The landform that runs along the ocean between Mexico and Washington is the Coastal Plain. This area features flat, low-lying land adjacent to the coast, making it the best choice compared to the other options.

Which of the following is an example of water working as as destructive force?

• Erosion of landforms

• Depositing sediment

• Forming a delta

• Creating a lake

Answer explanation

Erosion of landforms is an example of water as a destructive force because it involves the wearing away of soil and rock, reshaping the landscape. The other options describe constructive processes.

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How does the geosphere and biosphere add water to the water cycle? (Select two.)

• Water evaporates from the ocean.

• Animals breathe.

• Water evaporates from the soil.

• Snow falls from clouds.

Answer explanation

Water evaporates from the soil, contributing moisture to the atmosphere. Additionally, animals breathe out water vapor, which also adds to the water cycle, making both choices correct.

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What allows the amount of water on Earth to remain constant (the same)?

• More water vapor condenses to keep the cycle in balance.

• The rate of evaporation competes with the balance of precipitation.

• The rate of precipitation and evaporation are in balance.

• More precipitation falls that can evaporate and condense.

Answer explanation

The rate of precipitation and evaporation are in balance, ensuring that the total amount of water on Earth remains constant. This balance allows water to cycle through different states without increasing or decreasing overall.

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