1. _______________________ is the science of predicting the weather. (1 point)
Climatology
Ecology
Meterology
Botany
2. _______________________ is the condition of the atmosphere at any given location and
time.
(1 point)
Weather
Precipitation
Climate
Temperature
3. Which two chemical elements make up Earth's atmosphere? (1 point)
hydrogen and calcium
carbon and argon
oxygen and nitrogen
helium and oxygen
4. The following covers about 70% of Earth's surface? (1 point)
the biosphere
the lithosphere
the atmosphere
the hydrosphere
5. What is the definition of climate? (1 point)
the specific condition of the atmosphere at a given place and time
a distinctive combination of plants and animals that covers a significant portion of Earth's surface
the average yearly weather patterns in a given area
none of the above
6. The carbon cycle is an important part of the cycling of energy in which of the following? (1 point)
the hydrosphere
the lithosphere
the atmosphere
the biosphere
7. The following sphere is responsible for forming the solid shell of Earth that holds up life? (1 point)
the hydrosphere
the lithosphere
the atmosphere
the biosphere
8. What are the stages of the water cycle? (1 point)
evaporation
precipitation
condensation
run-off
all of the above
A and C only
9. True or false: Knowledge of geography saved lives during the "Christmas Day Tsunami." (1 point)
true
false
10. Explain the interaction between the four main components of Earth's physical systems. Be sure
to include the name of each system and its primary function in your answer.
11. Identify the five main elements that determine an area's climate, and give a brief description of
each element.
12. Describe the factors that influence the weather, and explain how meteorologists are able to
predict changes in the weather.
1. Meterology is the science of predicting the weather. (1 point)
2. Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at any given location and time. (1 point)
3. Oxygen and nitrogen make up Earth's atmosphere. (1 point)
4. The hydrosphere covers about 70% of Earth's surface. (1 point)
5. The definition of climate is the average yearly weather patterns in a given area. (1 point)
6. The carbon cycle is an important part of the cycling of energy in the biosphere. (1 point)
7. The lithosphere is responsible for forming the solid shell of Earth that holds up life. (1 point)
8. All of the above are stages of the water cycle. (1 point)
9. True: Knowledge of geography saved lives during the "Christmas Day Tsunami." (1 point)
10. The four main components of Earth's physical systems are the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (solid Earth), and biosphere (living organisms). The atmosphere provides gases necessary for life and helps regulate the planet's temperature. The hydrosphere supports life by providing the water that all living organisms need to survive. The lithosphere provides a solid foundation for life to exist and enables the formation of soil necessary for plant growth. The biosphere comprises all living organisms on Earth, which interact with and depend on the other three components. These systems are interconnected, as processes in one system can directly or indirectly impact the other systems.
11. The five main elements that determine an area's climate are:
a) Latitude: the distance from the equator influences the amount of solar energy received, impacting temperature and precipitation.
b) Elevation: higher elevations generally have cooler temperatures and more precipitation.
c) Topography: the shape and features of the landscape can affect climate, such as mountain ranges creating rain shadows or coastal areas experiencing milder temperatures due to ocean currents.
d) Ocean currents: the movement of water can transfer heat from warmer to cooler areas, influencing regional climates.
e) Atmospheric circulation: the movement of air in the atmosphere impacts the distribution of temperature and precipitation on Earth.
12. Factors that influence the weather include air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, and cloud cover. Meteorologists are able to predict changes in the weather by observing these factors and analyzing data collected from weather stations, satellites, and radar systems. They also rely on computer models, which use complex mathematical equations to simulate the behavior of the atmosphere, helping them to forecast short and long-term weather changes.