Cryosphere Quiz

What is the cryosphere?

• The part of Earth where all water is in a liquid state

• The part of Earth where water is found in a frozen, solid form

• The layer of gases surrounding Earth

• The solid rocks and minerals of Earth

Answer explanation

The cryosphere refers to the part of Earth where water is found in a frozen, solid form, including ice caps, glaciers, and permafrost. This distinguishes it from areas where water is liquid or in gaseous states.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following is NOT part of the cryosphere?

• Glaciers

• Rivers

• Sea ice

• Permafrost

Answer explanation

Rivers are not part of the cryosphere, which includes frozen water forms like glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost. The cryosphere specifically refers to areas where water is in solid form.

What happens to solar energy when it hits snow and ice?

• It is absorbed by the ice

• It is reflected back into space

• It melts the ice immediately

• It turns into sound energy

Answer explanation

When solar energy hits snow and ice, a significant portion is reflected back into space due to their high albedo. This means that rather than being absorbed or melting the ice immediately, most of the energy is bounced away.

Reduced snow and ice cover leads to (a)   on Earth’s climate.

• It keeps the Earth cooler

• It leads to increased warming

• It has no effect on the climate

• It makes Earth colder

Answer explanation

Reduced snow and ice cover decreases the Earth's albedo, leading to more solar energy absorption. This results in increased warming, making the correct choice 'It leads to increased warming'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5

How has Arctic sea ice changed since 1979?

• It has stayed the same

• It has increased by seven and a half percent per decade

• It has decreased by seven and a half percent per decade

• It has doubled in size

Answer explanation

Since 1979, Arctic sea ice has significantly decreased, averaging a loss of about seven and a half percent per decade. This trend highlights the impact of climate change on polar regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Monitoring the cryosphere is important because (a)  

• To ensure animals have enough food

• To measure the health of our planet

• To track the number of icebergs

• To study the temperature of volcano

Answer explanation

Monitoring the cryosphere is crucial for assessing the health of our planet, as it reflects changes in climate and environmental conditions. This helps us understand global warming and its impacts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is the term for frozen soil that remains solid year-round?

• Glaciers

• Permafrost

• Cryosphere

• Hydrosphere

Answer explanation

Permafrost is the term for soil that remains frozen year-round. Unlike glaciers, which are large ice masses, permafrost specifically refers to the ground that stays solid and frozen, making it the correct answer.

Match the following animals with their dependencies.

• Ice formations

• Glaciers

• Sunlight

• Polar Bears

• Sea ice for hunting

• Solar Energy

• Frozen ground

• Permafrost

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The part of Earth where water is found in a frozen state is called the _____.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Cryosphere', which refers to the regions of Earth where water is in a solid, frozen state, including glaciers, ice caps, and sea ice.

What are large masses of ice that move slowly over land called?

• Permafrost

• Hydrosphere

• Glaciers

• Cryosphere

Answer explanation

Large masses of ice that move slowly over land are called glaciers. They form from accumulated snow and ice, and their movement is driven by gravity, distinguishing them from terms like permafrost and hydrosphere.