Earth Systems Review Quiz

What is mechanical weathering also known as?

• Chemical weathering

• Physical weathering

• Volcanic activity

• Tectonic movement

Answer explanation

Mechanical weathering is also known as physical weathering. It involves the breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition, unlike chemical weathering which alters the minerals.

What are volcanoes?

• Large bodies of water

• Openings where lava and steam erupt

• Types of tectonic plates

• Forms of chemical weathering

Answer explanation

Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's crust where lava, ash, and steam can erupt. They are not bodies of water, types of tectonic plates, or forms of chemical weathering, making the correct choice "Openings where lava and steam erupt."

What is the biosphere?

• Earth's water

• Earth's air

• Earth's living things

• Earth's land

Answer explanation

The biosphere refers to all of Earth's living things, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It encompasses the regions of the Earth where life exists, making 'Earth's living things' the correct choice.

What is the geosphere?

• Earth's water

• Earth's air

• Earth's land

• Earth's living things

Answer explanation

The geosphere refers to Earth's land, which includes the solid parts of the planet such as rocks, soil, and minerals. It is distinct from the hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere (living things).

What causes mechanical weathering?

• Interaction with chemicals

• Breaking down of rocks by physical means

• Movement of tectonic plates

• Eruption of volcanoes

Answer explanation

Mechanical weathering is caused by the breaking down of rocks through physical processes, such as freeze-thaw cycles, abrasion, and thermal expansion, rather than chemical interactions or tectonic activity.

What happens during an earthquake?

• Lava erupts from a volcano

• Tectonic plates move

• Rocks chemically weather

• Water evaporates

Answer explanation

During an earthquake, tectonic plates move due to the release of stress accumulated along geological faults. This movement causes the shaking associated with earthquakes, making it the correct answer.

What is the geosphere composed of?

• Water and ice

• Air

• Solid and molten rock, soil, and sediments

• Living things

Answer explanation

The geosphere is composed of solid and molten rock, soil, and sediments, which make up the Earth's crust and interior. Other options like water, air, and living things are part of different Earth systems.

Which system includes water and ice?

• Geosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Atmosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including liquid water, ice, and water vapor. Therefore, it is the correct choice as it includes both water and ice, unlike the geosphere, atmosphere, or biosphere.

What does the atmosphere consist of?

• Solid and molten rock

• Water and ice

• Air

• Living things

Answer explanation

The atmosphere primarily consists of air, which is a mixture of gases, mainly nitrogen and oxygen. The other options, such as solid rock, water, and living things, do not define the atmosphere.

Which system includes living things, including humans?

• Geosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Atmosphere

• Biosphere

Answer explanation

The biosphere is the global sum of all ecosystems, including all living organisms like humans. In contrast, the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere refer to non-living components of Earth.