Heating the Planet

What is the source of energy that heats our planet's atmosphere and oceans?

• the weather

• the wind

• the Sun

• the Earth's core

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The Sun warms the atmosphere and drives convection currents because

• warm air is less dense and rises

• warm air is less dense and sinks

• warm air is more dense and rises

• warm air is more dense and sinks

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why does the Earth experience unequal heating?

• The oceans are not equally distributed around the Earth.

• The Earth's revolution brings it closer to the Sun at certain points during the year.

• The Earth's axis is tilted.

• The atmosphere is not equally distributed around the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Ocean currents are the result of uneven heating of the water, which leads to

• conduction

• convection

• reflection

• condensation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A map of sea surface temperatures is provided. The patterns that are observed are due to the fact that

• the earth is wider at the equator, so this area spins faster than the poles.

• the equator receives more of the Sun's radiation than other parts of the Earth.

• the salt content is greater at the poles than at the equator.

• the warm, less dense water near the equator sinks, while the colder water rises.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following statements is supported by the map of the ocean currents?

• Warm ocean currents bring cooler temperatures to the west coast of South Africa.

• Warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures to the west coast of South America.

• Warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures to the west coast of the United States.

• Cool ocean currents bring cooler temperatures to the west coast of the United States.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best describes climate?

• day to day conditions of the atmosphere at a place in regards to heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
• long-term conditions (30 or more years) of the atmosphere at a place in regards to heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best describes weather?

• day to day conditions of the atmosphere at a place in regards to heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.
• long-term conditions (30 or more years) of the atmosphere at a place in regards to heat, dryness, sunshine, wind, rain, etc.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is the primary or most important factor that influences climate?

• latitude

• longitude

• elevation

• climate zone

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What generally happens to temperatures as you increase in elevation?

• increase
• decrease