Unit 5 Missed Questions

The mixing of cold Arctic Ocean water with warm surface Atlantic currents off the northwestern coast of Europe causes which effect?

• sinking of water as it circulates southwest

• reversal of current direction back toward the European coast

• rise in water salinity and upwelling of affected currents

• rapid evaporation and acceleration of currents toward the pole

Because water is able to exist in the liquid phase on Earth, water helps to moderate temperatures across the entire planet. Which statement BEST illustrates this link between water in the liquid phase and moderation of temperatures?

• The movement of water creates heat.

• Ocean currents circulate heat away from the equator.

• Earth’s internal heat is pushed outward through volcanic activity.

• Land warms as ocean water makes direct contact with land.

What will most likely happen if a warm ocean current travels north or south from the equator?

• The current will become warmer, causing it to become more dense and rise.

• The current will become cooler, causing it to become less dense and rise.

• The current will become cooler, causing it to become more dense and sink.

• The current will become warmer, causing it to become less dense and sink.

A scientist wants to track contaminant movement in the Gulf Stream. The Gulf Stream is a warm water current in the North Atlantic Ocean and is part of the North Atlantic gyre. The gyre is influenced by the Coriolis effect. To follow the contaminant after it exits the Gulf Stream, the scientist needs to know characteristics of the North Atlantic gyre. Which of these BEST describes a movement of the North Atlantic gyre the scientist needs to know?

• linear movement due west

• linear movement due south

• clockwise movement

• counterclockwise movement

If a northern coastline such as the Norway coast is located near a warm ocean current

• the climate will be colder than normal for that latitude.

• the climate will be warmer than normal for that latitude.

• spring is longer than normal for that latitude.

• spring is shorter than normal for that latitude.

In the hydrologic cycle, which process contributes to a decrease in groundwater levels?

• infiltration

• evaporation

• precipitation

• condensation

A rural, forested area receives a lot of rain in a short amount of time. What would most likely cause potential flooding in the area?

• if the area has a large uncharged aquifer beneath it

• if the water level in the area is below the zone of saturation

• if the ground of the area is already saturated with water

• if the ground of the area is mostly sandy soil

Look at the diagram of a stream with toxic chemicals flowing into it.This diagram models how toxic runoff can pollute a stream and also

• produce acid rain.

• cause soil erosion.

• create algae blooms.

• pollute groundwater.

During this event, which of these water cycle processes has MOST likely slowed down or stopped completely?

• surface runoff

• groundwater discharge

• evaporation

• infiltration

Which is the most common contamination source for freshwater resources?

• runoff

• digging wells

• melting of glaciers

• lightning