Unit 2: Earth Systems Test Review

The major distinction between weather and climate is that -

• weather is climate over a long period of time.

• climate simply describes the atmosphere at any given time.

• weather supports diverse ecosystems, while climate does not.

• climate is weather in a region over a long period of time.

Gases within Earth's atmosphere help trap heat from the Sun, which creates a climate warm enough for life to exist. This process is called.

• weathering

• greenhouse effect

• the orographic effect

• sedimentation

Based on the description, at this time of year the Northern Hemisphere experiences -

• more direct rays striking the surface resulting in a hot and dry climate.

• less solar energy and has cooler temperatures.

• an increase in solar energy and moisture.

• concentrations of energy that result in extreme temperatures.

The Earth's crust and top layer of mantle make up the

• atmosphere

• hydrosphere

• lithosphere

• biosphere

The process that explains how the movement of plates on the Earth creates landform is termed -

• plate tectonics

• folding

• faulting

• weathering

What are the three processes that create landforms?

• tectonic movement, erosion, and glaciation

• wind patterns, altitude, and glaciation

• latitude, ocean currents, and altitude

• sedimentation, tectonic processes, and earth-sun relations

Why do most areas near the equator have warm climates?

• Most volcanic activity happens in this region.

• Their surfaces reflect the greatest amount of sunlight.

• They receive the most direct rays from the Sun.

• They receive equal amounts of daylight hours and nighttime hours.

Which statement best describes the orographic effect?

• The orographic effect causes coastal flooding during winter storms.

• Warming of the air as it rises over mountaintops creates thunderstorms on the leeward side of the mountain.

• The orographic effect is responsible for the warming of the oceans and melting polar ice caps.

• Air forced over mountains cools and releases moisture on the windward side of the mountain.

The hydrologic cycle -

• determines the location of continents.

• creates different climates on Earth.

• transfers water around Earth in the form of gas, liquid and solid.

• protects life from the most dangerous rays of the sun.

Which of the following are caused by the rotation of the earth?

• seasons

• day and night

• earthquakes

• droughts