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WorksheetsUnit 1: Introduction to Earth Science (updated 2025-26)
Total questions: 60
Worksheet time: 56mins
_________________ is the study of objects beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Astrology
Astronomy
Atmospheric science
Meteorology
Which of the following is the study of the forces and processes that cause the atmosphere to change and produce weather?
astronomy
climatology
hydrology
meteorology
The study of the materials that make up Earth and the processes that form and change these materials is called
geology.
hydrology.
meteorology.
physics.
True or false: The asthenosphere is part of the lithosphere.
True
False
True or false: You are part of the biosphere.
True
False
True or false: Less than 5% of Earth's water is freshwater.
True
False
True or false: The Earth’s biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere are independent systems.
True
False
Which of the following correctly sequences Earth's atmospheric layers from Earth's surface to space?
exosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, troposphere
exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere
troposphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere
Which of the following correctly sequences Earth's internal layers from the surface to the center with regard to the physical structure of the layers?
core, mantle, crust
crust, mantle, core
inner core, outer core, mesosphere, asthenosphere, lithosphere
lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere, outer core, inner core
What are the three primary sources of Earth's energy?
fossil fuels, nuclear, solar
geothermal, nuclear, solar
geothermal, solar, tidal
nuclear, solar, tidal
In a closed system, the only thing that can enter or leave is
air.
energy.
matter.
water.
One reason Earth is not entirely a closed system is because
energy is reflected back into space.
new matter forms on the surface of Earth.
sunlight enters the atmosphere.
the atmosphere loses hydrogen to space.
The gaseous envelope that surrounds Earth is called the
atmosphere.
biosphere.
geosphere.
hydrosphere.
Most of Earth's freshwater is
in groundwater.
in lakes and rivers.
locked up in ice caps and glaciers.
in water vapor.
The lava from a volcano destroying a nearby forest is an example of
the atmosphere interacting with the biosphere.
the geosphere interacting with the biosphere.
the geosphere interacting with the hydrosphere.
the hydrosphere interacting with the geosphere.
A canyon is formed when rocky ground is eroded by a river is an example of
the atmosphere interacting with the biosphere.
the biosphere interacting with the hydrosphere.
the geosphere interacting with the biosphere.
the hydrosphere interacting with the geosphere.
The carbon cycle is an example of a(n)
atmospheric cycle.
biologic cycle.
biogeochemical cycle.
hydrologic cycle.
What would happen to the climate if Earth took in more energy than it released?
The climate would get cooler.
The climate would get cooler, then warmer.
The climate would get warmer.
The climate would not change.
What does the root word ge(e,o) mean?
life
earth
vapor
water
What does the root word hydr(a,o) mean?
life
earth
vapor
water
What does the root word atmo mean?
life
earth
vapor
water
What does the root word bio mean?
life
earth
vapor
water
What is included in the biosphere?
all living things on earth
all the gases
all the water: both fresh & saltwater
all the solid earth, including minerals, rocks, and soils
What is the atmosphere?
all living things on earth
all the gases
all the water: both fresh & saltwater
all the solid earth, including minerals, rocks, and soils
What is the hydrosphere?
all living things on earth
all the gases
all the water: both fresh & saltwater
all the solid earth, including minerals, rocks, and soils
What is included in the geosphere?
all living things on earth
all the gases
all the water: both fresh & saltwater
all the solid earth, including minerals, rocks, and soils
Mountains, volcanoes, canyons, and beaches are landforms found in what sphere?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Oceans, rivers, lakes, and glaciers are landforms found in what sphere?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Plants, animals, and bacteria are found in what sphere?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Grass, animals, bacteria, living organisms are found in what sphere?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Which branch of Earth science studies the air that surrounds our planet?
astronomy
geology
meteorology
oceanography
The asthenosphere is part of Earth's
core.
crust.
lithosphere.
mantle.
Earth’s atmosphere is about 78% oxygen.
True
False
True or false: Oceans contain 97% of the water found on Earth.
True
False
In which of Earth's atmospheric layers would you find the ozone layer?
mesosphere
stratosphere
thermosphere
troposphere
True or false: Ozone is important because it absorbs gamma radiation, preventing it from reaching Earth's surface.
True
False
True or false: Most weather occurs in the troposphere.
True
False
True or false: Coal is a renewable resource.
True
False
All of the following are nonrenewable resources except
coal.
natural gas.
petroleum.
trees.
What do we use natural resources for?
as food or "fuel" for our bodies
construction (buildings, roads, etc.)
to generate electricity
all of these
Which of the following is a renewable resource?
fossil fuels
metals
minerals
water
How are natural resources distributed on Earth?
All of Earth's natural resources are found north of the equator.
Earth's natural resources are concentrated along the equator.
Earth's natural resources are evenly distributed across the planet.
Earth's natural resources are unevenly distributed across the planet.
Where does most of Earth's energy come from?
geothermal
the Sun
tidal
water
Which is a fossil fuel?
biomass
petroleum
uranium
wind
The energy generated in Earth's interior is known as
geothermal energy.
hydroelectricity.
nuclear energy.
solar energy.
Natural products, like wood or corn-based ethanol, that provide energy are known as
biomass.
coal.
geothermal.
natural gas.
Nuclear energy is a ___________ resource.
nonrenewable
renewable
safe
substantial
Which layer of Earth is a solid layer of iron and nickel due to intense pressure?
asthenosphere
inner core
mantle
outer core
The solid layer of Earth made up of the crust and upper, rigid mantle is the
asthenosphere
inner core.
lithosphere.
mesosphere.
Water availability impacts plant growth and animals who depend on plants for food are interactions between the
biosphere and geosphere
cryosphere and atmosphere
geosphere and hydrosphere
hydrosphere and biosphere
What are the two main reservoirs for carbon dioxide (CO2)?
atmosphere, fossil fuels
calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in rocks, atmosphere
ocean, atmosphere
ocean, fossil fuels
Carbon can be found in
the atmosphere.
fossil fuels.
plants.
all of these
Which of the following processes does not move carbon to the atmosphere?
animal respiration (Breathing)
burning fossil fuels
photosynthesis
volcanic eruption
Which of the following best describes an open system?
a system that does not interact with its environment
a system that exchanges energy and matter with its environment
a system that is isolated from its surroundings
a system that only exchanges energy with its environment
A lightbulb is an example of which type of system?
closed system
isolated system
open system
partial system
A pond is an example of which type of system?
broken system
closed system
isolated system
open system
Energy from the Sun travels to Earth as
conduction.
convection.
insulation.
radiation.
Match the following:
Heat transfers through waves/rays.
Radiation
Liquid (or air) heats up, speeds up and spreads out, becoming less dense. As it rises, it cools, slows, and comes back together. This increases density, making it sink again.
Convection
Heat transfers from objects that are touching.
Conduction
Which of the following elements is not a requirement for life?
carbon
hydrogen
oxygen
potassium
What are Virginia's top natural resources? (Select all that apply.)
gold
coal
salt
stone, sand, and gravel
