UNIT 4 TEST • EARTH'S WATER SYSTEMS

What is the term for all of Earth's water?

• the aquifer

• the hydrosphere

• the watershed

• the water table

Answer explanation

The term for all of Earth's water is the hydrosphere. It encompasses all water in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even underground sources, unlike the aquifer, watershed, or water table, which refer to specific water sources or areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What drives the hydrologic cycle?

• chemical reactions

• energy from the Sun

• volcanic activity

• wind

Answer explanation

The hydrologic cycle is driven by energy from the Sun, which heats water, causing evaporation. This energy powers the movement of water through various states and processes, making it the primary driver of the cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Where is most of Earth's fresh water?

• in the atmosphere

• in glaciers

• in lakes

• underground

Answer explanation

Most of Earth's fresh water is stored in glaciers, which hold about 68.7% of it. While lakes and underground sources contain fresh water, glaciers are the largest reservoir.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the term used when ice turns directly into water vapor?

• condensation

• deposition

• sublimation

• vaporization

Answer explanation

The term for when ice turns directly into water vapor is 'sublimation'. This process skips the liquid phase, transitioning from solid to gas, unlike condensation or vaporization, which involve different states.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What causes the difference between a solid, a liquid, and a gas?

• atomic structure

• the bonds between molecules

• number of elements in the compound

• size of molecules

Answer explanation

The difference between a solid, liquid, and gas is primarily due to the bonds between molecules. In solids, molecules are tightly bonded, in liquids they are less so, and in gases, the bonds are very weak, allowing for greater movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the term used when water vapor turns directly into ice, without first becoming a liquid?

• condensation

• deposition

• sublimation

• vaporization

Answer explanation

The term for when water vapor turns directly into ice, bypassing the liquid phase, is called deposition. This process occurs in nature, such as when frost forms on cold surfaces.

What is the term used when water vapor is released from the leaves of plants?

• deposition

• sublimation

• transpiration

• vaporization

Answer explanation

The term for the release of water vapor from the leaves of plants is 'transpiration'. This process is essential for plant hydration and helps regulate temperature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

What is the term for Earth's underground water supply?

• the aquifer

• groundwater

• the hydrologic reservoir

• the subterranean reservoir

Answer explanation

The term for Earth's underground water supply is "groundwater." It refers to water that fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers, making it a crucial resource for drinking water and irrigation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

What is the process that is causing the basin of the Atlantic Ocean to grow?

• erosion

• seafloor spreading

• silting

• subduction

Answer explanation

The Atlantic Ocean basin is growing due to seafloor spreading, a process where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This continuous formation of new crust expands the ocean floor.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

What is the shallowest part of the continental margin?

• the continental rise

• the continental shelf

• the continental slope

• the regions of turbidity currents

Answer explanation

The continental shelf is the shallowest part of the continental margin, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope. It is characterized by relatively shallow waters compared to the continental slope and rise.