Earth Science: Earth Resources
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of non-renewable resources?

  • They cannot be replenished on a human scale. (correct)
  • They are derived from renewable materials.
  • They can be replenished on a human scale.
  • They include solar and wind energy.

    • Which fossil fuel is primarily formed from the remains of large quantities of microscopic aquatic organisms?

  • Anthracite
  • Natural Gas (correct)
  • Coal
  • Lignite

    • What conditions are essential for the formation of fossil fuels?

  • High pressure, low temperatures, and low oxygen levels.
  • High oxygen levels and low temperatures.
  • Low pressure and high temperatures.
  • Low oxygen environment, high pressure, and high temperatures. (correct)

    • What is the correct sequence of coal formation from vegetation?

    <p>Peat → Lignite → Bituminous → Anthracite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component of natural gas?

    <p>Methane</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of coal is considered to be a form of metamorphic rock?

    <p>Anthracite</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process transforms organic material into fossil fuels?

    <p>Stratification and alteration under pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes geothermal energy?

    <p>A renewable resource obtained from the Earth's heat.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of impermeable rock in the oil extraction process?

    <p>To trap oil as it moves upward</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which temperature range indicates the capability for electricity generation using geothermal energy?

    <p>300 – 700 degrees Fahrenheit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a step-up transformer?

    <p>To increase voltage for long distance distribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a flash steam power plant, what triggers the creation of steam?

    <p>Pumping hot water into a cooler temperature environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following geothermal energy power plant types pipes hot steam directly into turbines?

    <p>Dry steam power plant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the efficiency of hydroelectric energy generation primarily depend on?

    <p>The amount of water in the area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of geothermal energy power plant uses a second liquid in the heat exchange process?

    <p>Binary cycle power plant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about geothermal energy is accurate?

    <p>Geothermal energy relies on heat generated beneath the Earth's surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary component of soil composition?

    <p>Minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which layer of soil contains mainly organic material such as humus?

    <p>O - organic layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor does NOT significantly influence soil formation?

    <p>Air quality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is primarily collected in the porous rock below the Earth’s surface?

    <p>Ground Water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which horizon in soil is characterized by leached materials and organic matter?

    <p>E - Eluviation Layer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term refers to the living skin of the Earth encompassing soil?

    <p>Pedosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a function of soil?

    <p>Habitat for marine life</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of water is derived from the hydrologic cycle and is considered a main source of water?

    <p>Rain Water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor that determines the rate of power generation in a hydroelectric power plant?

    <p>The height of the source and volume of water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In hydroelectric power generation, what happens to the potential energy of water when it flows down through the penstock?

    <p>It is converted into kinetic energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function does the transformer serve after electricity generation in a hydroelectric power plant?

    <p>To step up voltage for transmission</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of hydroelectric power facility only uses the water flowing from a river without any storage capacity?

    <p>Run-of-river facilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a high head in hydroelectric power generation?

    <p>It provides greater potential energy for conversion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Earth's water is considered freshwater?

    <p>2%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes pumped storage facilities from traditional hydroelectric facilities?

    <p>They can store energy for future use through two reservoirs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a use of water for humans?

    <p>Generating solar energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consequence of overusing fertilizers in agricultural practices?

    <p>Eutrophication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which soil conservation method prevents rapid surface runoff of water by utilizing unique topography?

    <p>Terrace building</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does no-till farming contribute to soil health?

    <p>By reducing soil disturbance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice helps improve soil structure and fertility by growing a series of different crops?

    <p>Crop rotation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is maintaining soil pH crucial for soil health?

    <p>It indicates the level of nutrients in the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a benefit of promoting indigenous crops?

    <p>They are well-adapted to local environments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices can help combat soil erosion caused by wind?

    <p>Watering the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adverse effect can excessive accumulation of salts in the soil cause?

    <p>Negative impact on crop metabolism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Earth Resources

    • Resources are items utilized for specific purposes.

    Renewable Resources

    • Can be replenished or regenerated on a human scale.
    • Examples include geothermal, hydro, wind, solar, and biomass.

    Non-Renewable Resources

    • Cannot be replenished on a human scale.
    • Key examples are nuclear energy and fossil fuels.

    Fossil Fuels

    • Non-renewable energy resource derived from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
    • Formed millions of years ago under specific conditions: temperature, pressure, and low oxygen environments.
    • Main types of fossil fuels include coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas.

    Coal

    • A black, combustible rock made primarily of carbon.
    • Created from the remains of ancient vegetation in swamps over millions of years.
    • Formation process: Peat → Lignite → Bituminous → Anthracite.

    Petroleum (Oil)

    • Naturally occurring liquid composed of complex hydrocarbons.
    • Derived from microscopic aquatic organisms, such as algae and plankton.
    • Kerogen formation as a waxy precursor to oil.

    Natural Gas

    • Composed mainly of methane, a key hydrocarbon.
    • Originates from the decomposition of zooplankton, phytoplankton, and microbes.

    Fossil Fuel Formation Process

    • Initial death of organisms → Stratification → Transformation into fossil fuels under temperature and pressure.

    Geothermal Energy

    • Energy generated from heat beneath the Earth's surface, sourced from primordial or radiogenic heat.
    • Indicators include volcanic activity, hot springs, and geysers.
    • Temperature testing ranges from 50–60°F for household use to 300–700°F for power plants.

    Types of Geothermal Power Plants

    • Dry Steam: Uses hot steam directly to power turbines.
    • Flash Steam: Converts hot water into steam through temperature decrease.
    • Binary Cycle: Uses a heat exchanger to heat a second liquid for steam creation.

    Hydroelectric Energy

    • Conversion of flowing water into electrical energy.
    • Efficiency relies on both water volume and height of the water source.
    • Types of facilities: Impoundment, Pumped Storage, Run-of-River.

    Electricity Generation Process in Hydroelectric Plants

    • Reservoir storage converts water's potential energy into kinetic energy through gravity.
    • Water drives turbines to generate mechanical energy, which is then converted to electrical energy.

    Water Resources

    • Sources beneficial to humans include surface water (saline and freshwater) and groundwater.
    • Freshwater constitutes less than 1% of global water, most found in lakes, rivers, and underground sources.

    Soil Composition

    • Composed of 45% minerals, 25% air, 25% water, and 5% organic materials (humus, roots).

    Soil Horizons

    • Different layers include O (organic), A (topsoil), E (eluviation), B (subsoil), C (parent rock), and R (bedrock).

    Soil Formation Factors

    • Influenced by climate, topography, plant and animal life, and parent material chemistry.

    Functions of Soil

    • Acts as an engineering medium, supports plant growth, modifies the atmosphere, provides habitat, and recycles nutrients.

    Fertilizers

    • Natural or synthetic substances added to soil to enhance nutrient content, but overuse can lead to eutrophication.

    Eutrophication

    • Nutrient enrichment in water bodies can cause harmful algal blooms.

    Human Impact on Soil

    • Practices like farming, construction, and waste disposal contribute to soil health degradation.

    Soil Conservation Practices

    • Tree planting, terracing, no-till farming, contour farming, crop rotation, maintaining soil pH, watering, salinity management, promoting beneficial organisms, and growing indigenous crops enhance soil quality and prevent erosion.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on various earth resources, distinguishing between renewable and non-renewable types. This quiz will cover different energy sources, including fossil fuels and renewable alternatives like solar and wind. Understand the impact of these resources on our environment and future.

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