Earth's Structures and Climate: Mastery Test

Select the correct answer from the drop-down menu. The eastern side of the Sierra Nevada lies in Death Valley. It is one of the driest places on Earth. The eastern side is the _______ of the mountain range.

• leeward side

• top

• windward side

Identify all the correct areas on the image. Choose the three circled regions that are expected to have mild climates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why does temperature decrease with higher altitude?

• Air is held strongly together by gravity, so there is less heat transfer.

• Air density is lower, so there is less heat transfer.

• Air density is higher, so there is less heat transfer.

Select the correct answer. San Francisco and Wichita lie on the same latitude. San Francisco has a moderate climate, while Wichita has an extreme climate. What is the reason for this difference in climate?

• San Francisco lies in a rain shadow region.

• Their proximity to the ocean is different.

• Sunrays fall on the cities at different angles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The average annual rainfall in Salt Lake City, Utah, is 18.58 inches, and the average annual rainfall in New York City is 46.23 inches. What might be the reason for the difference in the cities' average annual rainfall?

• Utah is close to an ocean, while New York City is landlocked.

• New York City is close to an ocean, while Utah is landlocked.

• New York City lies in a rain shadow area.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5