2nd Nine Weeks Earth Science Study Session 2024

Anika is studying different types of soil for her geography project. She wants to know what type of soil is commonly found in the southwestern part of the United States. Can you help her?

• desert

• temperate

• river

• tropical

Answer explanation

The southwestern part of the United States is characterized by arid conditions, making desert soil the predominant type. This soil is typically dry, sandy, and low in organic matter, suitable for desert vegetation.

During a field trip, Mason and Elijah observed different soil layers. Which of these soil layers is formed by water depositing clay sediment?

• layer 1

• layer 2

• layer 3

• layer 4

Answer explanation

Layer 3 is formed by water depositing clay sediment, which typically occurs in areas where water slows down, allowing fine particles to settle. This distinguishes it from the other layers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

While exploring a rocky beach, Kai noticed that the rocks seemed to be changing shape and size over time. The processes responsible for these changes on Earth’s surface are called_________.

• rusting

• ice wedging

• oxidation

• weathering

Answer explanation

The processes that change objects on Earth's surface over time are called weathering. Weathering includes various processes like rusting and ice wedging, but the term specifically refers to the overall change in the landscape.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

During a school field trip, Priya and David observed a large boulder in the park. Priya noticed that the boulder had cracks and pieces breaking off, while David pointed out some areas where the surface seemed to be dissolving. How do chemical and mechanical weathering differ in this scenario?

• Mechanical weathering occurs when rocks are broken by physical processes, and chemical weathering happens when chemical reactions dissolve minerals.

• Chemical weathering can happen with the help of animals, mechanical weathering cannot.

• Chemical weathering can occur with the help of water reacting with carbon dioxide, and water has nothing to do with mechanical weathering.

• Plant roots can help mechanical weathering occur, but have no impact on soil when it comes to chemical weathering.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that mechanical weathering involves physical processes breaking rocks, while chemical weathering involves chemical reactions that dissolve minerals, clearly distinguishing the two types of weathering.

While exploring an old shipwreck, William noticed that the metal parts were deteriorating. When materials containing iron are exposed to water and oxygen, __________ can occur.

• mechanical weathering

• wedging

• ironization

• oxidation

Answer explanation

When materials containing iron are exposed to water and oxygen, oxidation occurs. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of rust, which is a common result of iron reacting with moisture and air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

During a hiking trip, Jackson and Luna noticed some rocks tumbling down a steep slope. Where do rockfalls and rock slides commonly occur?

• in the desert

• on the prairie

• near a streambed

• areas with steep cliffs

Answer explanation

Rockfalls and rock slides commonly occur in areas with steep cliffs due to the gravitational pull on loose rocks and soil, making these locations particularly susceptible to such geological events.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

During a field trip, Samuel and Nora observed a glacier moving through a valley. Which statement about glaciers can be inferred from their observation?

• Glaciers move quickly.

• Glaciers are found near the north pole.

• Glaciers scrape rock and soil as they move.

• Glaciers melted at the end of the last ice age.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that glaciers scrape rock and soil as they move. This is evident from their erosive power, which shapes landscapes by transporting debris, a key characteristic of glacier movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

While on a field trip, Olivia and Michael observed how the wind was shaping the landscape. How does wind abrasion work in this scenario?

• Sediment falls off a surface on its own.

• Wind-blown sediment strikes a surface.

• Wind blows large chunks of rock off a surface.

• Sediment is blown off a surface from wind.

Answer explanation

Wind abrasion occurs when wind-blown sediment strikes a surface, causing erosion. This process effectively removes material from the surface, making 'Wind-blown sediment strikes a surface' the correct choice.

Zoe and Ethan were hiking in the mountains and noticed how the landscape had changed over time. They observed that gravity, ice, wind, and water are agents that can cause __________.

• deflation

• abrasion

• runoff

• erosion

Answer explanation

Gravity, ice, wind, and water are natural forces that contribute to the process of erosion, which involves the wearing away and transportation of soil and rock. Therefore, the correct answer is erosion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

During a field trip, Ava and Jackson observed how vegetation affects runoff by _________ water.

• slowing down

• speeding up

• increasing the amount of

• adding nutrients to

Answer explanation

Vegetation affects runoff by slowing down water. Plants and their roots help to absorb and retain water, reducing the speed at which it flows over the ground, thus minimizing runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-3