EARTH SCIENCE REVIEW

Lakelyn and Miguel are studying different types of soil for their geography project. What type of soil do they find in the southwestern part of the United States?

• desert

• temperate

• river

• tropical

Answer explanation

In the southwestern United States, the predominant type of soil is desert soil, characterized by low moisture and sparse vegetation, making it distinct from temperate, river, or tropical soils.

During a science class, Griselda and Sophia observed a rusty bicycle left outside in the rain. Which is an example of chemical weathering?

• abrasion

• ice wedging

• organisms

• oxidation

Answer explanation

Oxidation is a type of chemical weathering that occurs when iron in the bicycle reacts with oxygen and moisture, leading to rust. This process alters the chemical composition of the metal, unlike physical weathering processes like abrasion or ice wedging.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Abigail noticed that a statue made of limestone in her local park was damaged by its environment. What most likely caused this damage?

• acid

• a root

• topography

• wind

Answer explanation

The damage to the limestone statue is most likely caused by acid, as acidic substances can erode limestone over time. Other options like roots, topography, and wind are less likely to cause significant damage.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Mackenzie and Javier are studying how weathering changes rocks during their science project. They observe a rock that has been altered by chemical processes. What kind of chemical weathering is most likely illustrated in their observation?

• acid rain reactions

• ice wedging

• mineral absorption

• root pressure

Answer explanation

The observation of a rock altered by chemical processes is best explained by acid rain reactions, which can dissolve minerals and change the rock's composition. Ice wedging, mineral absorption, and root pressure are physical or biological processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Dustin and Miguel are studying different climates for their geography project. They want to know which kind of climate has the fastest weathering. Can you help them?

• cold and dry

• cold and wet

• hot and dry

• hot and wet

Answer explanation

Hot and wet climates promote rapid weathering due to increased chemical reactions from heat and abundant moisture, leading to faster breakdown of rocks and minerals compared to other climates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

During a gardening class, Lakelyn and Miguel learned about the benefits of organic matter in soil. How does organic matter help soil?

• It decomposes bacteria in the soil.

• It holds water.

• It weathers and forms clay.

• It weathers nearby rocks.

Answer explanation

Organic matter improves soil by holding water, which is essential for plant growth. It enhances soil structure and increases its ability to retain moisture, making it a vital component for healthy soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Alexis and Dustin are working on a gardening project. They have different types of soil samples. Which type of soil would have the largest pores?

• clay

• sand

• a mixture of clay and silt

• a mixture of sand and silt

Answer explanation

Sand has the largest pores among soil types, allowing for better drainage and aeration. In contrast, clay has very small pores, while mixtures of clay and silt or sand and silt have intermediate pore sizes.

While studying soil layers in their environmental science class, Miguel and Peyton were asked to identify the main material found in the B-horizon. What is it?

• clay

• iron

• organic matter

• parent material

Answer explanation

The B-horizon, also known as the subsoil, primarily contains clay. This layer is characterized by the accumulation of minerals leached from the upper layers, making clay the main material found here.

During a geography class, Mackenzie and Miguel were discussing the characteristics of soils around the world. Which statement is true about soils worldwide?

• They are the same color.

• They are the same age.

• They are different in many ways.

• They differ only in thickness.

Answer explanation

Soils worldwide vary significantly in color, age, composition, and thickness due to factors like climate, vegetation, and topography. Therefore, the correct statement is that they are different in many ways.

While exploring a riverbank, Peyton and Mackenzie noticed that the gravel in the river had smooth, rounded edges. Which process is responsible for this smoothing effect?

• abrasion

• acid rain

• ice wedging

• oxidation

Answer explanation

The smooth, rounded edges of the gravel are a result of abrasion, which occurs when particles collide and wear against each other in the water, leading to their smoothing over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2