AK SCI Review - Earth & Space 3

What is a mineral resource?

• A type of plant found in rainforests

• A naturally occurring substance that is mined for economic value

• A type of animal found in the ocean

• A man-made material used in construction

Answer explanation

A mineral resource is defined as a naturally occurring substance that is mined for economic value, distinguishing it from plants, animals, and man-made materials.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-1

Which is a natural hazard?

• Car accident

• Volcanic eruption

• Broken water pipe

• Power outage

Answer explanation

A volcanic eruption is a natural hazard caused by geological processes, while a car accident, broken water pipe, and power outage are human-made or infrastructural issues. Thus, the correct answer is a volcanic eruption.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-2

How can we reduce human impact on the environment?

• Use more fossil fuels

• Reduce, reuse, recycle

• Cut down more trees

• Increase industrial waste

Answer explanation

Reducing, reusing, and recycling materials helps minimize waste and conserve resources, thereby reducing human impact on the environment. This approach promotes sustainability, unlike increasing fossil fuel use or cutting down trees.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-3

How does an increase in human population affect Earth's systems?

• Decreases demand for resources

• No impact on Earth's systems

• Increases demand for resources, leading to depletion

• Stabilizes Earth's climate

Answer explanation

An increase in human population raises the demand for resources like water, food, and energy, which can lead to their depletion and negatively impact Earth's systems, making the correct choice clear.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-4

What has contributed to the rise in global temperatures over the past century?

• Decrease in greenhouse gas emissions

• Increase in volcanic activity

• Increase in greenhouse gas emissions

• Decrease in solar activity

Answer explanation

The rise in global temperatures over the past century is primarily due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-5

How is the distribution of Earth's mineral resources related to geoscience processes?

• Mineral resources are evenly distributed across Earth

• Geoscience processes like plate tectonics and volcanic activity cause uneven distribution

• Only human activity affects mineral distribution

• Mineral resources are randomly scattered

Answer explanation

Geoscience processes like plate tectonics and volcanic activity create conditions for mineral formation, leading to their uneven distribution across the Earth, rather than a random or even spread.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-1

If a region has frequent earthquakes, what does it suggest about its geological features?

• The region is on a stable tectonic plate

• The region is near a tectonic plate boundary

• The region has no significant geological activity

• The region has many volcanoes

Answer explanation

Frequent earthquakes indicate tectonic activity, which is typically found near tectonic plate boundaries. This suggests that the region is not on a stable plate, making the correct inference that it is likely located near a tectonic plate boundary.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-2

How can you monitor air pollution in a city?

• Use a thermometer

• Install air quality sensors

• Count cars on the road

• Measure rainfall

Answer explanation

Installing air quality sensors at various locations is the most effective method to monitor air pollution, as they provide real-time data on pollutants, unlike the other options which do not directly measure air quality.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-3

How does increased per-capita consumption of natural resources affect Earth's systems?

• It leads to more efficient resource use

• It has no significant impact on Earth's systems

• It can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation

• It helps in the conservation of resources

Answer explanation

Increased per-capita consumption of natural resources can lead to resource depletion and environmental degradation, as higher demand strains ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and accelerates climate change.

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AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-4

What evidence shows human activities contribute to global warming?

• Decrease in atmospheric CO2 levels

• Increase in atmospheric CO2 levels from burning fossil fuels

• Natural variations in solar radiation

• Decrease in industrial activities

Answer explanation

The increase in atmospheric CO2 levels due to burning fossil fuels is a key indicator of human impact on climate. This rise correlates with industrialization, supporting the claim that human activities contribute to global warming.

Tags

AK.SCI.6-8.MS-ESS3-5