Hydrosphere & Atmosphere Practice Test

If a northern coastline such as Norway’s is located near a warm ocean current, what will most likely happen?

• The climate will be colder than normal for that latitude.
• The climate will be warmer than normal for that latitude.
• Spring will be longer than normal for that latitude.
• Spring will be shorter than normal for that latitude.

Why is water considered a polar molecule?

• A) The hydrogen atoms attract electrons more strongly than the oxygen atom, resulting in hydrogen bonds.
• B) The oxygen atom attracts electrons more strongly than the hydrogen atoms, leading to an uneven charge distribution.
• C) Water has an even distribution of charge throughout, making it non-reactive with other substances.
• D) The hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons equally, leading to no charge difference.

Which of the following factors affect the ocean's density and contribute to the Global Conveyor Belt?

• A) Gravity and the Coriolis Effect
• B) Temperature and salinity
• C) Wind and climate
• D) Surface winds

How does the relationship between the ocean and atmosphere impact climate?

• A) The atmosphere stores more heat than the ocean.
• B) The ocean can hold heat more efficiently than air.
• C) Ocean currents move faster than air or wind currents.
• D) Ocean currents have no effect on the atmosphere.

What environmental change would most likely occur if the Gulf Stream stopped flowing?

• A) More reefs would develop near eastern Greenland.
• B) Water temperatures in the Northern Atlantic would be much hotter.
• C) Land masses in the Northern Atlantic would experience colder climates.
• D) Most of Europe would be flooded by rising sea levels.

What effect does a higher albedo have on temperature?

• A) It decreases temperature by reflecting more solar radiation.
• B) It increases temperature by absorbing more solar radiation.
• C) It stabilizes temperature by regulating heat absorption and reflection.
• D) It has no significant impact on temperature variations.

Which factor is most likely responsible for driving ocean currents, such as the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt?

• A) Surface winds
• B) Differences in density
• C) Earth's rotation
• D) Gravity of the Moon

Which property of water is directly linked to its molecular structure and polarity?

• A) High specific heat capacity
• B) Strong cohesion
• C) Low viscosity
• D) Low density

How does the ocean influence onshore and offshore breezes in coastal areas?

• A) The land heats and cools faster than the ocean heats and cools.
• B) The ocean heats and cools faster than the land heats and cools.
• C) Warm air sinks over the ocean and moves onto land.
• D) Cold air rises over land and moves over the ocean.

What effect does greenhouse gas CO₂ have on Earth's atmosphere?

• A) It deflects harmful radiation from space.
• B) It increases precipitation in arid areas.
• C) It forms clouds in the atmosphere.
• D) It helps maintain warmth near Earth's surface.