Earth Systems Overview Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which layer of the atmosphere is known for containing the ozone layer?

  • Mesosphere
  • Stratosphere (correct)
  • Exosphere
  • Troposphere

    • The geosphere comprises the liquid outer core, mantle, and crust only.

    False

    What percentage of water on Earth is classified as saltwater?

    97%

    The _____________ is the zone of life on Earth.

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

    Which subsystem serves as protection from ultraviolet rays and solar flares?

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

    Match the following layers of the atmosphere with their characteristics:

    <p>Troposphere = Where almost all weather activity occurs Stratosphere = Contains the ozone layer Mesosphere = Where meteors burn up Thermosphere = Region of auroras and satellites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The core of the Earth is composed primarily of iron and nickel.

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

    What is the primary function of the atmosphere?

    <p>Regulating temperature and weather.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____________ cycle involves the movement of water in various forms through the environment.

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

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minerals?

    <p>It can be man-made.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Streak refers to the main body color of a mineral.

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

    What is measured using the Mohs Hardness Scale?

    <p>Hardness of minerals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Minerals are useful chemical substances that are __________ occurring.

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

    Which type of luster describes minerals that reflect light like metals?

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

    Match the type of mineral crystal formation to its description:

    <p>Euhedral = Fully-developed crystals Subhedral = Partially-developed crystals Anhedral = Irregularly-formed crystals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Earth's crust is composed solely of rocks.

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

    What are the main processes that lead to the formation of minerals?

    <p>Cooling and solidifying of molten materials, evaporation of water, and chemical reactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ of a mineral reflects how its surface interacts with light.

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

    Which layer of soil is known for being rich in organic matter and beneficial for agriculture?

    <p>O Horizon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Clay is the largest particle size among soil types.

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

    What are the three main types of soil mentioned in the content?

    <p>sand, silt, clay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______ horizon contains a lot of organic matter mixed with some minerals.

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

    Match the soil types with their descriptions:

    <p>Silt = Smooth and fine texture, holds water better than sand Clay = Smallest particle size, tightly packed with little airspace Loamy = Combination of sand, silt, and clay A Horizon = Rich in nutrients and organic matter</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following soil types is known to drain poorly and not provide much airspace?

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

    What are organic sedimentary rocks primarily formed from?

    <p>Fossils of dead organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Specific gravity is a measure to express the density of a rock, not a mineral.

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

    What is the process called when igneous rocks form from lava cooling above the ground?

    <p>Extrusive igneous process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ___________ is a type of metamorphism caused mainly by heat due to contact with magma.

    <p>Contact Metamorphism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following rock types with their characteristics:

    <p>Marble = A metamorphic rock Basalt = An extrusive igneous rock Gneiss = A foliated metamorphic rock Granite = An intrinsic igneous rock</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which mineral property describes the ability to break along parallel planes?

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

    Regional metamorphism occurs over a small area under high pressure.

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

    Give an example of a heavy mineral based on specific gravity.

    <p>Specific gravity of 4.5 and above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sedimentary rocks form when surfaces are __________ and break down.

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

    Which of the following is an example of a mineral that exhibits fluorescence?

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

    What process allows precipitation to seep into the ground?

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

    Runoff refers to water that infiltrates the soil.

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

    Name one consequence of using less water.

    <p>Saves energy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ horizon is known for holding more moisture but being less fertile than the topsoil.

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

    Match the soil types with their descriptions:

    <p>Sandy = Consists of small particles and is poor for growing plants Clay = Rich in minerals and typically more fertile Loamy = Combination of sand, silt, and clay desirable for farming Rocky = Consists of larger, weathered rock particles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which horizon is primarily composed of weathered rock from which the A and B horizons form?

    <p>C Horizon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The C Horizon is directly above the R Horizon.

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

    What role does water play in the survival of individual organisms?

    <p>Water is essential for living and survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ soil type consists of small particles and is usually poor for growing plants.

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

    What material forms the R Horizon?

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

    Study Notes

    Earth’s Systems

    • Four Subsystems:
      • Geosphere: Major zones include crust (thin outer layer), mantle (largest solid zone), and core (extremely hot, composed of iron and nickel).
      • Atmosphere: Invisible gaseous layer, regulates temperature and weather, protects from meteorites and solar radiation.
      • Biosphere: Zone of life, encompasses regions where living organisms thrive.
      • Hydrosphere: Water sphere, consists of 97% saltwater and 3% freshwater (lakes, rivers).

    Layers of the Atmosphere

    • Troposphere: Site of weather activity.
    • Stratosphere: Contains the ozone layer.
    • Mesosphere: Meteors burn up here.
    • Thermosphere: Location of auroras.
    • Exosphere: Highest level, where satellites orbit.

    Mineral Properties

    • Characteristics of Minerals:
      • Naturally occurring, solid, non-living, with a definite chemical formula and crystal structure.
    • Hardness: Measured using Mohs Hardness Scale, ranges from soft (talc) to hard (diamond).
    • Luster: Metallic or non-metallic reflection of light.
    • Color and Streak: Color of the mineral and its powdered form respectively, key identifiers.

    Types of Rocks

    • Igneous Rocks: Formed from cooled magma or lava; intrinsic (cooled underground) examples include granite, while extrusive (cooled above ground) examples like basalt have glassy textures.
    • Sedimentary Rocks: Created from weathered and eroded materials cemented together.
    • Metamorphic Rocks: Change in composition or structure under heat/pressure, e.g., marble from limestone.

    Soil Composition

    • Soil Horizons:
      • O Horizon: Organic matter layer rich in nutrients.
      • A Horizon (Topsoil): Dark, nutrient-rich layer supporting plant growth.
      • B Horizon (Subsoil): Light-colored, clay-rich layer with less fertility.
      • C Horizon: Underlying weathered rock.
      • R Horizon: Bedrock or parent material.
    • Soil Types:
      • Sandy: Poor water retention; large particles.
      • Silt: Holds water better; medium particles.
      • Clay: Smallest particles; dense and retains moisture well.
      • Loamy: Optimal mix of sand, silt, and clay for plant growth.

    Water Cycle and Conservation

    • Importance of Water: Essential for survival, supports diverse ecosystems, and conserves energy when used judiciously.
    • Infiltration and Runoff: Infiltration refers to precipitation absorbed by soil, while runoff is water that travels on the surface without absorption.

    Special Properties of Minerals

    • Magnetism, Fluorescence, Reactivity: Unique properties that can be used to identify minerals.
    • Crystal Types: Classified as euhedral (well-formed), subhedral (partially formed), or anhedral (irregular).

    Rock Cycle Overview

    • Interconnected cycle involving processes such as melting, cooling, erosion, compaction, and metamorphism leading to the formation of different rock types.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge about Earth's four major subsystems: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. This quiz covers the characteristics and interactions of these systems, including the presence of water in various forms and the influence of mineral salts. Join to deepen your understanding of how these systems work together.

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