Humans and the Hydrosphere

What causes the rising of hot air and sinking of cold air in a sea breeze?

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

• Evaporation

Answer explanation

Convection causes the rising of hot air and sinking of cold air in a sea breeze. As the sun heats the land, warm air rises, creating a low-pressure area, while cooler air from the sea moves in to replace it, resulting in a breeze.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Where does runoff come from?

• Rain, melting snow, or ice

• Underground springs

• Ocean tides

• Plant transpiration

Answer explanation

Runoff primarily comes from precipitation, such as rain, and the melting of snow or ice. These sources contribute to the water that flows over land, making 'Rain, melting snow, or ice' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What does the diagram suggest about rainwater?

• It is absorbed by the ground

• It creates runoff

• It stays in the sky

• It turns into snow

Answer explanation

The diagram indicates that rainwater flows over surfaces, leading to runoff rather than being absorbed or remaining in the sky. Therefore, the correct choice is that it creates runoff.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the main purpose of a watershed?

• To create mountains

• To drain water into a common body

• To grow forests

• To form deserts

Answer explanation

The main purpose of a watershed is to drain water into a common body, such as a river or lake. This process collects and channels precipitation, making it essential for managing water resources.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What happens when people pump out groundwater faster than it can naturally refill?

• The aquifer overflows

• The water level in the aquifer decreases

• The aquifer becomes polluted

• The aquifer remains unchanged

Answer explanation

When groundwater is pumped out faster than it can refill, the water level in the aquifer decreases. This occurs because the extraction rate exceeds the natural recharge rate, leading to a reduction in available water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Choose the best definition of a watershed.

• A functioning, natural unit, with components of biotic & abiotic factors, whose boundaries are determined by the flux of energy input.

• The surface zone of the planet, extending from within the Earth's crust, & up into the atmosphere, within which all water exists.

• The surrounding land where all water drains to a specific outlet point.

• A building or structure created to store water as a means of conserving the resource for future needs, as in times of drought.

• An even that is part of the hydrologic cycle where water is "shed" from the sky.

Answer explanation

A watershed is defined as the surrounding land where all water drains to a specific outlet point, making this choice the best definition. Other options describe different concepts related to water but not the watershed itself.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is groundwater?

• Water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers

• Water vapor in the atmosphere

• Water flowing over the surface of the Earth

• Water stored in lakes and rivers

Answer explanation

Groundwater is defined as water stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers, making it distinct from water vapor in the atmosphere, surface water, or water in lakes and rivers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Which of the following are ways in which groundwater can become polluted?

• 
• 
• 
• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

How do oceans contribute to freshwater supply (the amount of freshwater available)?

• 90 % of evaporated water comes from oceans

• salt water can be used to supplement fresh water

• oceans contain high amounts of fresh water

Answer explanation

Oceans play a crucial role in the water cycle, with 90% of evaporated water coming from them. This evaporation contributes to precipitation, which replenishes freshwater sources, making this choice the correct answer.

How much of the world's oxygen is released from the ocean?

• 50%

• 25%

• 70%

• 10%

Answer explanation

The ocean is responsible for producing about 70% of the world's oxygen through photosynthesis by marine plants, particularly phytoplankton. This makes it a crucial component of the Earth's oxygen supply.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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