Unit 2 Resources in Earth Systems

When describing the movement of matter in Earth's systems, it is important to consider how the matter moves among the geosphere, the biosphere, and the hydrosphere. The diagram, for example, shows ways that carbon moves among these spheres.

Which statements about the conservation of carbon in Earth’s four spheres must be true? Select all the correct statements.

• If the amount of carbon stored in the hydrosphere increases in a year, then the amount stored in Earth’s other spheres must also increase.

• If the amount of carbon going into the atmosphere is increasing, then the total amount stored in Earth’s other spheres must be decreasing.

• If the amount of carbon in the geosphere does not change, then the amount going into the geosphere must equal the amount that goes out of it.

• If the amount of carbon leaving the biosphere equals the amount leaving the hydrosphere, then the amount entering both spheres must be the same.

• If the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and the amount in the hydrosphere both increase one year, then the total amount in the biosphere and the geosphere must decrease.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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The diagram describes feedback that occurs in the carbon cycle.

Which is the best statement to place in the empty box for the diagram to describe positive feedback? Choose the correct answer.

• The loss of nutrients causes the trees to die.

• Trees grow more and can store more carbon.

• Soil washing into lakes increases their levels of carbon.

• Less carbon released into the atmosphere leads to cooling.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Earth’s mantle involves a process of slowly moving, molten rock. The following statements describe the energy that drives this process. Select the statements that are true.

• A primary source of the energy is radioactive decay in the mantle.

• The sun’s energy provides much of the thermal energy inside Earth.

• Almost all of the energy in Earth’s interior was gained during the formation of the solar system.

• The two primary sources of energy that drive movement of Earth’s mantle are the sun and radioactive decay.

• Most of the thermal energy in Earth’s interior is energy left over from Earth’s formation and energy from radioactive decay.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

A student will use this scale to determine hardness of a mineral unknown to her. She finds that the mineral can scratch topaz but not corundum. Which conclusion(s) can she make about this mineral?

• This mineral is likely a diamond.

• The surface of this mineral displays little cleavage.

• This mineral has a moderate resistance to breakage.

• The bonds between the atoms in this mineral are strong.

• This mineral is relatively harder than most other minerals.

Different types of metamorphism occur in different environments. What type of metamorphism occurs at Location 1?

• burial metamorphism resulting in foliated rock

• burial metamorphism resulting in nonfoliated rock

• hydrothermal metamorphism resulting in foliated rock

• hydrothermal metamorphism resulting in nonfoliated rock

The shape of Earth’s orbit around the sun changes in a cycle over periods of hundreds of thousands of years. This change produces a cycle of increases and decreases in the amount of solar energy that reaches Earth. The diagram describes what happens to solar energy that strikes Earth.

How does the process shown in the diagram change during times when the intensity of solar energy decreases?

• The amount of energy reflected by clouds decreases, resulting in the warming of Earth.

• The amount of energy absorbed by the ground decreases, resulting in the cooling of Earth.

• The amount of energy reflected by Earth’s surface increases, resulting in the warming of Earth.

• The amount of energy absorbed by water vapor and dust increases, resulting in the cooling of Earth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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Sedimentary rock can be classified into two major groups: clastic and chemical. From which of these does chemical sedimentary rocks most likely originate?

• lakes and oceans rich in dissolved elements

• chemically pure water carrying silt and sand

• sand blowing and being deposited in a desert environment

• volcanoes producing magma and then lava that flows into the sea

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Native elements are important, as they contribute to the structure of minerals. Which grouping in the periodic table describes how these elements are organized?

• are crystals of a single element

• form random, non-crystalline structures

• form weak bonds with nonnative elements

• form weak bonds with nonnative elements

A scientist is investigating two mineral samples. How could the scientist use properties of water to help identify the minerals?

• Observe their color change while slowly diluting a solution of each mineral in water.

• Determine their solubility by attempting to dissolve each mineral in an equal amount of water.

• Calculate their specific gravity by comparing the density of the mineral with the density of water.

• Measure their refraction by mixing them in a beaker of water and shining a light through the beaker.

Which statement describes the classification of water as a mineral?

• It is a mineral in nature only as a solid because it has a definite crystalline structure.

• It is a mineral as a solid, a liquid, and a gas because it exists in all three states in nature.

• It is a mineral in nature only as a liquid because its high polarity allows many substances to dissolve in it.

• It is a mineral in nature only as a gas because it can condense back to a liquid at temperatures found on Earth.