Planet Earth Exam - Unit 3
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Questions and Answers

What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?

  • Crust (correct)
  • Core
  • Lithosphere
  • Mantle

Transform boundaries are a type of tectonic plate boundary.

True (A)

What causes the seasons on Earth?

The Earth's tilted axis

The ______ layer of the Earth is liquid.

<p>Outer core</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Earth's surface is covered by water?

<p>About 70% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a layer of the atmosphere?

<p>Lithosphere (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to the water cycle with their correct descriptions:

<p>Evaporation = Process where liquid water turns into vapor Condensation = Process where water vapor turns into liquid Precipitation = Water falling back to Earth in various forms Transpiration = Water vapor released from plants</p> Signup and view all the answers

Moon phases directly affect climate.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the carbon cycle?

<p>They break down dead organisms and release carbon back into the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are coral reefs important to the ocean ecosystem?

<p>They provide habitat for many species and protect coastlines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if gravity stopped working?

<p>The Moon would crash into Earth (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tectonic plates can push against each other, forcing the Earth's crust upward.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are convection currents in the mantle?

<p>Convection currents are movements within the Earth's mantle caused by the heat from the core, which drives the movement of tectonic plates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ influences the amount of sunlight different parts of the planet receive.

<p>tilt of the Earth</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phenomena with their causes:

<p>Day and Night = Earth's rotation Seasons = Earth's tilt Phases of the Moon = Moon's orbit around Earth Tides = Moon's gravitational pull</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason the poles experience long periods of darkness or daylight?

<p>Earth's rotation speed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The lithosphere interacts with the asthenosphere, impacting plate tectonics.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do we see different shapes of the Moon from Earth?

<p>The different shapes of the Moon, or lunar phases, are due to the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, causing varying amounts of the Moon's surface to be illuminated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __________ describes the relationship between Earth's distance from the Sun and its atmospheric conditions.

<p>tilt and position</p> Signup and view all the answers

List two potential impacts of rising sea levels on coastal ecosystems.

<ol> <li>Loss of habitat for marine and coastal species. 2. Increased salinity affecting freshwater sources.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the Earth's crust?

The outermost layer of the Earth, a thin, brittle layer composed of mostly rock.

What are tectonic plates?

The process by which the Earth's tectonic plates move and interact.

What causes the Earth's seasons?

The tilting of the Earth's axis at 23.5 degrees, causing different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.

What is the Earth's outer core?

The liquid layer of the Earth, composed mostly of iron and nickel, which generates the Earth's magnetic field.

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What are ocean currents?

The movement of water in the oceans, caused by factors like wind patterns, the Earth's rotation, and differences in water temperature and salinity.

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What is the atmosphere?

The layer of gases surrounding the Earth, composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases.

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What is the Earth's magnetic field?

The force field generated by the movement of molten iron in the Earth's outer core, which protects us from harmful solar radiation.

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What is climate?

The long-term average weather patterns in a particular region, influenced by factors like latitude, elevation, and ocean currents.

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What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replenished naturally at a rate comparable to their consumption, such as solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy.

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What are seismic waves?

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or other disturbances.

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Plate Tectonics

The movement of Earth's tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the mantle.

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Moon's Phases

The phases of the Moon are caused by the different angles at which we see the sunlit portion of the Moon as it orbits Earth. We only see the portion illuminated by the sun.

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Earth's Core

The inner core is solid and incredibly hot, made mostly of iron and nickel. The outer core is liquid and generates Earth's magnetic field.

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Lithosphere and Asthenosphere

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. The asthenosphere is a soft, semi-molten layer below the lithosphere. The lithosphere moves on top of the asthenosphere.

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Earth's Shape

Earth is not a perfect sphere due to its rotation and centrifugal force. This uneven shape causes gravity to be slightly weaker at the equator and stronger at the poles.

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Day and Night

Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night. One full rotation takes approximately 24 hours.

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Seasons

Earth's tilt on its axis (23.5 degrees) causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. This creates seasons.

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The Equator

The equator is an imaginary line circling the Earth's middle, dividing it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Its position is related to Earth's tilt and shape, and it influences climate zones.

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Polar Days and Nights

The poles experience long periods of darkness or daylight during certain times of the year due to Earth's tilt and revolution around the sun. During summer, one pole faces the sun for extended periods, while the other faces away and experiences darkness.

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Tides

The Moon's gravitational pull on Earth causes the tides. This pull is stronger on the side of the Earth facing the Moon (high tide) and weaker on the opposite side (also high tide). The areas between experience low tides.

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Study Notes

Planet Earth Exam - Unit 3

  • Outermost layer of Earth: Crust
  • Types of tectonic plate boundaries: Convergent, Divergent, Transform
  • Causes of seasons on Earth: Earth's tilted axis
  • Liquid layer within Earth: Outer core
  • Percentage of Earth's surface covered by water: Approximately 70%
  • Atmosphere Layers (not a layer): Lithosphere
  • Main cause of ocean currents: Wind patterns
  • Earth's magnetic field cause: Movement of molten iron in the outer core
  • Factors that do not affect climate: Moon phases
  • Non-renewable resource: Coal
  • How Earthquakes help understand Earth's interior: Generating seismic waves passing through Earth
  • Role of decomposers in the carbon cycle: Break down dead organisms, releasing carbon back into the environment
  • Climate change effects on water cycle: Increased frequency and intensity of precipitation in some regions
  • Importance of coral reefs: Providing habitat for many species, protecting coastlines
  • Earth's tilt causes (regarding seasons): Uneven distribution of sunlight
  • Tectonic plates' effect on mountain formation: Pushing Earth's crust upward from collisions
  • Convection currents in the mantle impact on plate tectonics: Contributing to plate movement; crucial for understanding earthquakes and volcanoes.
  • Moon phases: Moon's orbit around Earth, resulting in varying illumination
  • Day and night cause: Earth's rotation
  • Difference between inner and outer core: Physical state (inner is solid, outer is liquid), impact on magnetic field
  • Lithosphere and asthenosphere interaction: Crucial for plate tectonics, as the lithosphere interacts with the softer, flowing asthenosphere.
  • Earth's shape and gravity: Not a perfect sphere; shape affects gravity variation at different locations
  • Earth's rotation's impact on the day and night cycle: The rotation of the Earth causes day and night.
  • Significance of the equator's effect on climate zones: The equator receives the most direct sunlight, influencing climate patterns.
  • Polar Regions' extended periods of darkness/light: Earth's tilt and revolution cause varying lengths of daylight.
  • Moon's impact on tides: The Moon's gravitational pull causes tides; two high tides and two low tides daily due to the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Essay Questions

  • Relationship between Earth's rotation, tilt and revolution, and their effects: These movements affect seasons, day/night cycles, and the phases of the Moon. These processes are important for sustaining life on Earth
  • Impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems: Rising sea levels and increased ocean temperatures will impact the plants and animals.
  • Possible solutions for preserving coastal ecosystems: Solutions may include creating protective barriers against rising sea levels and managing ocean temperatures. Challenges in implementation might include cost, feasibility, and acceptance by the public/governments.

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Unit 3 Planet Earth Exam PDF

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Test your knowledge of Unit 3 in Planet Earth with this comprehensive quiz. Topics include Earth's layers, tectonic plates, climate factors, and ocean currents. Prepare to explore the intricacies of our planet and understand its processes better.

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