Earth Science Pre-test

Weathering and erosion are processes that constantly change Earth’s surface. How do weathering and erosion differ?

• Weathering acts quickly. Erosion acts slowly

• Weathering acts underground. Erosion acts above ground.

• Weathering breaks down materials. Erosion moves materials.

• Weathering is caused by wind. Erosion is caused by water.

Which graph best shows the general relationship between air pressure and altitude?

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Liquid water changing slowly into a gas and rising into the atmosphere is called

• evaporation
• condensation
• rain
• typhoon

Shifting pieces of the Earth's crust are called

• tectonic plates
• volcano
• magma
• island

Which is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

• Oxygen
• Nitrogen
• Ozone
• Carbon Dioxide

What is the source of energy for the water cycle?

• gravity

• transpiration

• the oceans

• the Sun

Water is important to life for which of the following reasons?

• Water transports materials in and out of cells

• Water is needed for chemical reactions

• Water keeps body temperature from becoming too hot or too cold

• All of the above

How much of Earth’s water is fresh water?

• 3%
• 10%
• 26%
• 71%

Large bodies of water do not quickly fluctuate in temperature. Why?

• Water is a solvent.

• Water has a high specific heat.

• Water acts as a buffer.

• Water is non-polar.

Why does ice float?

• As water freezes, it expands and its density decreases.
• As water freezes, it takes up more hydrogen from the atmosphere, causing it to have a greater buoyancy.
• As water freezes, air becomes trapped between the hydrogen bonds of water molecules.
• As water freezes, it takes up more oxygen from the atmosphere, causing it to have a greater buoyancy.