Q3 Benchmark Exam Practice

Many interactions occur between the biosphere and the atmosphere. One of these reactions results in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels. The graph below shows these changes over a two-year period. Which of the following changes in the biosphere most likely caused these changes in the atmospheric CO₂ levels? (6.E.7.4)

• Streams froze in the winter and melted in the spring.

• Plants grew leaves in the spring and lost leaves in the fall.

• Offspring were born in the summer and matured in the fall.

• Soil dried out in the summer and absorbed moisture in the winter.

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Wanda lists some heat transfers that can occur in an ocean, as shown below.

1.Water water moves upward, and cold water moves downward

2. Energy from the Sun heats the ocean’s surface

3.Warm air transfers heat to the ocean as it blows across the ocean’s surface

4. A stream of hot water from an opening on the ocean floor heats the water that touches the stream

Which description from Wanda's list best represents radiation? (6.E.7.1)

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Earth's atmosphere is important to the living organisms of the biosphere.  Which of the following 

      describes how the atmosphere best protects living organisms? (6.E.7.9)

• by providing enough carbon dioxide in the ocean to support sea animals

• by changing oxygen to nitrogen, which can be used as a nutrient for animals

• by refracting visible light, allowing certain animals to see and capture their prey

• by trapping electromagnetic radiation, keeping temperatures within a range best suited for animal life

Ocean currents in the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean affect climate and weather patterns in

      the United States.  The map below shows some of these ocean currents.  A student researches 

      climate data and determines that the eastern United States usually has higher humidity than the 

      western United States does.

Based on the ocean currents shown, which statement best explains the difference in humidity?

• The air mass in the Atlantic Ocean is warmer than the air mass in the Pacific Ocean is, and a warmer air mass holds more water vapor than a colder air mass does.

• The air mass in the Pacific Ocean is colder than the air mass in the Atlantic Ocean is, and a colder air mass causes more evaporation than a warmer air mass causes.

• The cold ocean current in the Pacific Ocean causes stronger winds than the warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean causes, and moisture evaporates from the Pacific ocean air mass.

• The warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean produces denser air masses than the cold ocean current in the Pacific Ocean produces, and the dense air mass in the Atlantic Ocean cannot release precipitation.

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The interaction between the cryosphere and hydrosphere can have an impact on Earth's oceans. Which of the following is an example of an interaction between the cryosphere and hydrosphere?

• evaporation of water from the oceans at the equator

• release of fresh water into ocean water as icebergs melt

• decomposition of organic matter at the bottom of oceans

• release of large amounts of salt from icebergs into the ocean

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Several factors can cause weather patterns in the atmosphere.  The diagram below shows how 

      air movement near the equator can form thunderstorms.

Which process is the main source of this movement?

• movement of ocean currents

• decrease in relative humidity

• heating by energy from the Sun

• warming in the upper atmosphere

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When nitrogen is returned to the soil when dead plants decompose, the interaction is between 

    which two spheres? (6.E.7.4)

• Biosphere and Atmosphere

• Biosphere and Geosphere

• Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

• Geosphere and Hydrosphere

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Which of the following is the best explanation for sea breezes and land breezes along Florida’s coasts? (6.E.7.5)

• The Gulf Stream current in the Atlantic Ocean.

• Convection currents of rising, less-dense warm air and falling, denser cool air caused by differences in how quickly water and land absorb or lose the Sun’s heat.

• Conduction currents of rising cool air and falling warm air.

• Continental polar air masses moving in from the north.

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Miami, Florida is famous for its ocean beaches and terrific weather. The graph below shows data 

    for the possible number of hours of sunshine each month. Study the graph below.

Which of the following statements refers to Miami's climate rather than Miami's weather?

• June is the least sunny month of the year.

• Sunshine is steady throughout the year.

• The sun shines nearly every day of the year.

• There are more hours of sunshine during the summer.

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Conduction is one way in which energy in the form of heat is transferred through the Earth system. Which of the following best describes how conduction causes magma to heat the surrounding 

      rock inside Earth? (6.E.7.1)

• The warm magma flows towards Earth’s surface and cools.

• Electromagnetic waves from the Sun warm the magma, which in turn, warms the surrounding rock.

• Differences in the density of the magma cause movement in the magma, which warms the surrounding rock.

• Molecules of magma collide with molecules of rock and transfer energy as heat.

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