Investigating Factors Affecting Earth Systems

A flood will have a greater effect on a habitat than a heavy rainfall event because a flood -

• is followed by strong winds that greatly affect a habitat

• strikes more quickly, not allowing organisms to migrate

• brings salt and other substances that harm plants

• happens more often and lasts much longer

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A diagram of the areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico is provided. A hurricane that comes in from the Gulf of Mexico will most likely have which of the following effects on a Texas habitat?

• Plants on Goose Island are killed by a surge of salt water.

• Trees in and around Austin are uprooted by heavy winds.

• Birds that eat fish on Galveston Island become extinct.

• Rains create new marshland habitats in Brazos Bend.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Tornadoes are catastrophic events that create change in ecosystems in which of the following ways?

• Heavy flooding increases areas where trees can grow.

• Wildfires started by lightning reduce carbon dioxide.

• High winds damage areas of important plant life.

• Saltwater kills many ground-dwelling animals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The extremely strong winds associated with a tornado will have the GREATEST negative effect on which of the following kinds of organisms?

• Smaller mammals that burrow underground

• Fish that feed around coral reefs

• Organisms that feed on decaying plants and animals

• Birds and other animals that use trees for shelter

What liquid features are found in the geosphere and hydrosphere? The liquid feature found in the geosphere is ​ (a)   and in the hydrosphere​ ​ (b)   .

• molten rock

• water in the ocean

• glaciers

• evaporation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

From the distinct shapes of sand dunes and their features in a desert, a geologist could most likely determine which of the following?

• Daily high and low temperatures

• Age of the formations

• Direction of the prevailing wind

• Amount of water nearby

The map shows the various ecoregions of Texas. Which ecoregion is most vulnerable to wind erosion from hurricanes originating in the Gulf of Mexico?

• Edwards Plateau

• Gulf Prairies and Marshes

• Post Oak Savannah

• Blackland Prairies

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The tall rock formations with smooth surfaces in Big Bend National Park were formed over time by -

• Wind Weathering

• Local Vegetation

• Water Erosion

• Rock Deposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The Brazos River is the longest river in Texas, emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. What type of land formation would you expect to find where the river deposits sediments as it reaches the Gulf?

• A mountain

• A cave

• A delta

• A valley

In the Edwards Plateau, the limestone rocks are highly vulnerable to chemical and physical weathering. Which of the following land formations would be expected in this area?

• Caves

• Rivers

• Lakes

• Canyons

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2