Earth's Spheres and Carbon Cycle Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following spheres includes the clouds over the Pacific Ocean?

Geosphere

Hydrosphere

Atmosphere (correct)

Biosphere

Which of these options describes something that belongs to the geosphere?

Clouds over the Pacific Ocean

Ord River Dam in Western Australia (correct)

Blue Lake, Mount Gambier

Rabbit burrows in Victorian farmland

What role does photosynthesis play in the carbon cycle?

It takes in carbon dioxide and produces glucose. (correct)

It converts oxygen into carbon dioxide.

It releases carbon into the atmosphere.

It affects the Earth's temperature directly.

Why is the carbon cycle important for living organisms?

It maintains a balance of gases essential for respiration. Signup and view all the answers

Which carbon-capture technique focuses on directly removing CO2 from the atmosphere?

Direct air capture Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes a five whys analysis?

A sequential questioning technique to identify root causes. Signup and view all the answers

Which sphere includes rabbit burrows in Victorian farmland?

Biosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible storage solution for captured carbon?

Deep geological formations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of forests in relation to carbon dioxide?

They store 283 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of carbon dioxide emissions are attributed to deforestation?

20% Signup and view all the answers

At what rate is global deforestation occurring each year?

13 million hectares Signup and view all the answers

What does the water cycle affect in Earth’s spheres?

The distribution of Earth’s water Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest source of carbon on Earth?

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

Through which process do plants in the carbon cycle absorb carbon dioxide?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which compound do plants produce as a result of photosynthesis?

Glucose Signup and view all the answers

What do the combined processes of combustion, respiration, and decomposition contribute to?

The carbon cycle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of the student investigation on the greenhouse effect in a jar?

To investigate temperature changes within a confined space Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of equipment is essential for comparing temperature changes in the experiment?

Two thermometers Signup and view all the answers

In the experiment, what is the independent variable being tested?

The conditions inside the plastic bottle Signup and view all the answers

How long should the thermometers be left in direct sunlight during the initial step?

5 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is a necessary step after recording temperature data in the experiment?

Convert results into percentage increases Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a potential source of error in this experiment?

Inconsistent readings from different thermometers Signup and view all the answers

What should students do to present their findings effectively?

Write a formal scientific report Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis aspect should students address in their conclusion?

Whether their predictions were accurate Signup and view all the answers

What was the main role of plants before the increase in human population post-Industrial Revolution?

To maintain a constant level of carbon in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of clearing land previously covered by forests?

A reduction in carbon recycling processes. Signup and view all the answers

What gases contribute to the formation of acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does acid rain have on the environment?

It kills plant life and pollutes water bodies. Signup and view all the answers

How are acidic gases typically spread before causing acid rain?

By the wind transporting them to new locations. Signup and view all the answers

What initiated the industrial changes that started in the 1790s?

The introduction of machinery in agriculture and industry. Signup and view all the answers

What was primarily used to run machinery during the Industrial Revolution?

Fossil fuels. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a long-term consequence of pollutants released into the atmosphere?

Acid rain causing environmental damage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary intent behind companies changing processes related to emissions?

To emit less gas or find alternative energy sources. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the nature of the debate regarding climate change strategies in Australia?

The debate continues due to changing government and varying policies. Signup and view all the answers

What major event in Australia influenced the climate change policy debate?

The 2013 federal election resulting in a change of government. Signup and view all the answers

What period does Australia’s commitment under the Kyoto Protocol cover?

2013–2020. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is associated with the arguments surrounding Emissions Trading Schemes?

They could create financial burdens for businesses. Signup and view all the answers

The activity 'Big melt 3: viewing the evidence' likely relates to which topic?

Evidence supporting the occurrence of global warming. Signup and view all the answers

What task is assigned when pairing up with someone holding an opposing viewpoint in the activities?

To examine and discuss the evidence they use. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of essay is suggested to be written based on paired viewpoints?

A persuasive essay claiming that global warming is a natural occurrence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Earth's Spheres

Earth is made up of four interconnected spheres: biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
The biosphere includes all living organisms, the lithosphere includes the Earth's crust and upper mantle, the hydrosphere includes all water, and the atmosphere includes the air that surrounds Earth.
The carbon cycle is an example of how materials move through the different spheres.

Carbon Cycle

CO2 (carbon dioxide) is the largest source of carbon on Earth.
Plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis and release oxygen back into the atmosphere.
Deforestation reduces the number of plants available to absorb CO2, leading to an increase in atmospheric CO2.
The Industrial Revolution, with its reliance on fossil fuels, has also contributed to increased atmospheric CO2.

Acid Rain

Acid rain is caused by the release of pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, into the atmosphere.
These gases dissolve in rainwater and fall to the earth as acid rain, which can damage living organisms, pollute water, and erode stone.

Global Systems

The climate system is a complex interplay of the Earth's atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere.
Human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels, has contributed to climate change.
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate Change

There is debate about the structure of strategies to combat climate change.
The current Federal Government scheme to tackle climate change was subject to political debate.
There are arguments both for and against an Emissions Trading Scheme, a policy that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Earth's four spheres: biosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. Explore the carbon cycle and its significance, along with understanding the impacts of acid rain. This quiz covers essential concepts related to Earth's systems and environmental science.