Earth Science Final Exam Review #3

If fossil fuel usage were unlimited, what effect would this have on Earth's biosphere?

• It would create more nutrient-rich soil, which would increase the biodiversity on Earth.

• It would pollute natural habitats, which would decrease the biodiversity on Earth.

• It would add more oxygen to the atmosphere, which would cause plants to increase their rates of photosynthesis.

• It would produce warmer climates, which would cause fewer plants to live in the polar regions.

Which would most likely happen if coastal North Carolina increased implementation of wind energy?

• Investment costs to taxpayers would decrease.

• The production of greenhouse gases would decrease.

• Turbines could be built in highly populated areas because of low noise pollution.

• The energy output would be consistent because wind patterns are always predictable.

What effect would uncontrolled population growth have on land?

• increased soil fertility and decreased erosion

• increased soil fertility and increased erosion

• decreased soil fertility and decreased erosion

• decreased soil fertility and increased erosion

What effect does reusing or recycling municipal waste have on environmental resources?

• introduction of pollutants into water system

• increased deforestation of local areas

• increased use of fossil fuels

• preservation of raw materials

Cracks in rocks widen as water in them freezes and thaws.  How does this affect the surface of the Earth?

• It reduces the rates of soil formation.

• It changes the chemial composition of the rocks.

• It exposes rocks to increased rates of erosion and weathering.

• It limits the exposure of rocks to acid precipitation.

How can urbanization affect a local area?

• It can increase the number of invasive species in an area.

• It can decrease the risk of water pollution in an area.

• It can increase the risk of flooding in an area due to impermeable surfaces

• It can decrease the need for natural resources in an area.

Subsurface ocean currents continually circulate from the warm waters near the equator to the colder waters in other parts of the world.  What is the main cause of these currents?

• differences in the topography along the ocean floor

• differences in density of ocean water

• the rotation of Earth on its axis

• movement of the jet stream

What is most responsible for the presence of groundwater in an area?

• the movement of water from a confined aquifer into surface water

• the movement of surface water and precipitation through soil and rock

• the movement of water from streams and rivers to watersheds

• the movement of surface water through impermeable rock

Which is the most common contamination source for freshwater resources?

• runoff

• digging wells

• melting of glaciers

• lightning

A community decides to upgrade its water purification and management systems.  What lasting impact could this have on available freshwater?

• It could cause a decrease in water demand.

• It could cause a decrese in the water levels.

• It could cause an increase in waterborne diseases.

• It could cause an increase in the available freshwater supply.