E.4.9b

If the diagram illustrates Earth’s relative position on December 21 of a given year, which of the following statements would be correct?

• The Tropic of Cancer has a shorter day and higher solar radiation intensity because there is an inverse relationship between length of day and radiation intensity.

• The Tropic of Capricorn has a shorter day and higher solar radiation intensity because there is a direct relationship between length of day and radiation intensity.

• The equator has twelve hours of daylight and the greatest solar radiation intensity because there is no direct relationship between day length and radiation intensity.

• The Tropic of Cancer has a shorter day and lower solar radiation intensity because there is a direct relationship between day length and radiation intensity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following areas receives the most intense solar radiation at the time of year shown in the diagram, and why?

• The Antarctic Circle, because it is closest to the Sun.

• The Tropic of Capricorn, because this latitude is nearly horizontal to incoming solar radiation.

• The equator, because it is the hottest region and therefore receives the most intense solar radiation.

• The Tropic of Cancer, because solar radiation spreads out over a wider area at this latitude.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which of the following correctly describes the season and length of day at the Tropic of Cancer at the time of year shown in the diagram?

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun so it is winter at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is less than twelve hours per day.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, so it is winter at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is approximately twelve hours per day.

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, so it is summer at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is greater than twelve hours per day.

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun so it is summer at the Tropic of Cancer and daylight is approximately twelve hours per day.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

In the desert regions of the southwestern United States, daily high and low temperatures will frequently fluctuate by 40°F (33°C) or more. Which statement below best explains the large variation in temperature?

• There are no bordering oceans or large bodies of water to provide a stabilizing humidity to the air.

• The nearby Rocky Mountain range provides a rain shadow effect in the evenings to the west.

• The flat, light-colored sand formations typical in deserts reflect light from the Sun during the day, but not at night.

• Desert plants have long tap roots that pull water from deep in the soil, cooling the desert at night.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best explains why City B regularly receives less precipitation than City A?

• As air rises up the side of the mountain near City B, the temperature and the relative humidity increase, causing increased precipitation on the other side of the mountain over City A.

• Air that is forced upward on the side of the mountain near City B leads to the formation of stratospheric clouds.

• The urban heat island from City B causes a warmer climate that leads to reduced cloud formation.

• The rain shadow effect causes City B to be drier because the mountain blocks precipitation from reaching the city.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

The shaded area in New York State, Pennsylvania, and Ohio in the northeast United States is referred to as a snowbelt. On average, this region receives much more snowfall than surrounding areas.

Which of the following best explains why the shaded area receives more snowfall than the other parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio?

• Moisture-laden storms from the Gulf of Mexico release precipitation here because of the cool temperatures in the region.

• Air pollutants from power plants and industrial emissions in the Midwest increase snowfall rates.

• Moisture picked up from the warmer water in the Great Lakes is deposited as snow downwind.

• Sea spray from the Atlantic Ocean is carried westward by prevailing winds.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following changes in eastern Pacific Ocean food webs is typically associated with La Niña events?

• Decreased populations of squid

• Decreased populations of anchovies

• Increased phytoplankton concentrations

• Increased famine among sea lions and seals

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following is a positive effect likely to result from an El Niño event?

• Increased droughts in Central and South America

• Reduced chance of winter floods in California and the Pacific Northwest

• Fewer hurricanes forming in the Central Atlantic basin

• Fewer heat waves in Australia

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following is the most likely effect of a strong El Niño event on the weather patterns in the United States?

• Wetter weather and cooler temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and warmer temperatures with more snow in the northeastern states

• Drier weather in the western states and wetter weather in the eastern states

• Wetter weather and cooler than average temperatures in the southeastern states and warmer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest

• Overall warmer temperatures and drier conditions throughout the entire United States

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6