Earth rotates upon an axis. The diagram shows how the tilt of this axis can shift over a cycle of tens of thousands of years based on gravitational pull from the sun. What change will Earth most likely experience as the axis tilt approaches 24.5°?

• Ocean temperatures will decrease, and land temperatures will decrease.

• Winter temperatures will increase, and summer temperatures will decrease

• Summer temperatures will increase, and winter temperatures will decrease.

Which of the following statements about Earth’s energy budget are true?

• Most energy reaches Earth from space as visible light.

• Most of the energy that leaves Earth travels in the form of visible light.

• More than 99% of Earth’s outgoing energy comes from energy brought to Earth’s surface in volcanic eruptions.

What is the process that causes hot materials within Earth to move toward the surface, and cool materials to sink?

• Conduction

• convection

• Radiation

Energy moves through and out of Earth by conduction, convection, and radiation. How does thermal energy flow within the liquid mantle, below the lithosphere.

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

Energy moves through and out of Earth by conduction, convection, and radiation. How does thermal energy flow within the liquid outer core.

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

Energy moves through and out of Earth by conduction, convection, and radiation. How does thermal energy flow from the solid inner core to outer core.

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

Energy moves through and out of Earth by conduction, convection, and radiation. How does thermal energy flow within the solid inner core.

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

What is the main source of radioactive energy?

• contamination of organisms and minerals

• small stable atomic nuclei decay over time, releasing particles and energy

• large unstable atomic nuclei decay over time, releasing particles and energy

Why does sunshine feel warmer in the middle of the day during the summer months and in places closer to the equator?

• Earth’s surface faces the sun more directly.

• Earth’s surface is closer to the sun.

• Earth’s albedo is lower.

Which statement summarizes the primary way in which ocean currents redistribute energy on Earth?

• Energy moves from equatorial regions toward the poles by conduction.

• Energy moves from equatorial regions toward the poles by convection.

• Energy moves from the poles toward equatorial regions by convection.