Atmosphere & Ocean

The energy in Earth’s atmosphere drives the variety of weather patterns that occur. What is the ultimate source of the energy in Earth’s atmosphere?

• solar energy

• wind energy

• rotational energy

• gravitational force

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The sun emits harmful ultraviolet radiation, some of which reaches Earth's surface. Scientists recommend that people who plan on being outdoors for at least 20 minutes apply sunscreen to protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation. What blocks most of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation from reaching Earth's surface?

• wind

• precipitation

• clouds

• atmosphere

Suppose it has been raining steadily for three days and there is danger of flooding. What type of weather system is the most likely cause?

• warm air mass

• strong jet stream

• low-pressure system

• high-pressure system

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

How does the Gulf Stream affect the climate along the coast of the eastern United States?

• Its water warms the air, causing milder winter weather along the coast.

• It prevents snow from falling because the air temperature never falls below zero.

• Its cold temperature causes the climate to be cool year round.

• It causes cold winds that result in freezing spells along the east coast of North America.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The diagram below shows how air near Earth's surface is warmed when it comes in contact with the warm surface of Earth.

Which mechanism shows the transfer of energy as heat from Earth's surface to the air as shown by the label A?

• convection

• conduction

• reflection

• diffraction

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

When energy from the Sun reaches Earth, the energy is not absorbed at the same rate by the air, the land, or the surface water.

What does the uneven absorption rate of solar energy by air, land, and surface water cause to Earth?

• the rotation of Earth

• the tilt of Earth's axis

• the change from winter to summer

• the change in global air circulations

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A candle heating the air. The air rising and cooling off then sinking down again.

Which type of heat transfer is this diagram an example of?

• conduction

• convection

• magnetism

• radiation

Which system on Earth insulates the planet and protects it from solar radiation?

• the biosphere

• the lithosphere

• the atmosphere

• the hydrosphere

Although the Sun is millions of miles away, we are able to receive light and heat from it here on Earth. The Sun’s heat and light travel to Earth in the form of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Which type of heat transfer is this an example of?

• conduction

• convection

• current

• radiation

Which statement best describes how air circulation patterns in the atmosphere are created?

• Oceans cool the air above the water, causing cooler air to rise and the warmer air to sink.

• Lightning strikes in the atmosphere increase the temperatures enough to create currents of warm air.

• The Sun warms Earth's surface, which then warms the air. The warm air rises as the cooler air sinks.

• Heat from the middle of Earth warms the surface of Earth, which in turn warms the air and causes it to circulate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6