Earth Science Unit Test 2

The north end of Earth's axis of rotation points toward

• Alpha Centauri

• Betelgeuse

• Polaris

• Spica

What is the approximate percentage of Earth's surface that is covered by the hydrosphere?

• 10%

• 50%

• 70%

• 90%

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

The table shows the times of high tides and low tides for a coastal location.

How much time occurred between the high tides on this day?

• approximately 6.5 hours

• a little less than 12 hours

• almost 12.5 hours

• a little more than 24 hours

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

The subtropical jet streams are fast flowing air currents located in the atmosphere about 10 kilometers above the surface of the Earth. In which layer of the atmosphere are the subtropical streams located?

• stratosphere

• mesosphere

• troposphere

• thermosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Figure 1

Base your answer to this question on the passage and photograph below and on your knowledge of Earth science. The photograph shows anorthositic gneiss bedrock from Whiteface Mountain in New York State.

Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain, located in the Mount Marcy region, is one of New York State's highest mountain peaks. Most of the surface bedrock on Whiteface is anorthositic gneiss made up of large, light-colored plagioclase fieldspar crystals and dark mineral bands composed of amphibole, pyroxene and garnet. The foliated crystal alignment in the gneiss was produced during a major tectonic event called the Grenville orogeny. Landslides have exposed steep slopes of this white and gray bedrock on the sides of Whiteface Mountain.

Question

The altitude of Polaris as seen by an observer on Whiteface Mountain in the Mount Marcy region will be approximately

• 40°

• 44°

• 74°

• 90°

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Figure 2

Base your answer to this question on the diagram and on your knowledge of Earth science.

The diagram represents the apparent change in direction of the swing of a scientific device over a period of five hours. This device provides evidence of Earth's rotation.

Question

Approximately how many degrees does Earth rotate on its axis over this five-hour period?

• 15°

• 45°

• 75°

• 90°

Figure 3

Base your answer to this question on the model and on your knowledge of Earth science.

The model represents a cross-sectional view from Earth's surface to its center. Four layers of Earth's interior are labeled A, B, C, and D. The depth below Earth's surface of the boundary between C and D, measured from Earth's surface, is indicated.

Question

Determine the inferred pressure, in million atmospheres, and temperature, in °C, within Earth's interior at the boundary between layers B and C.

Answer explanation

Correct answer: anything between 4900°C - 5000°C and 1.4 million atmospheres - 1.6 million atmospheres

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Figure 3

Base your answer to this question on the model and on your knowledge of Earth science.

The model represents a cross-sectional view from Earth's surface to its center. Four layers of Earth's interior are labeled A, B, C, and D. The depth below Earth's surface of the boundary between C and D, measured from Earth's surface, is indicated.

Question

State the inferred state of matter of layer D and name the two major elements that make up the composition of layer D.

Answer explanation

Correct answer: solid; iron and nickel

A Foucault pendulum provides evidence that Earth

• orbits the sun

• has a nearly spherical shape

• is tilted on an axis

• spins on an axis

Which layer of Earth's interior is inferred to be composed of solid iron and nickel?

• asthenosphere

• stiffer mantle

• outer core

• inner core