The Sun
True or False? Some of the sun's UV radiation is blocked by the Earth's ozone layer.
True
True or False? The Geosphere consists of the surface of Earth and the first 100 kilometers above the surface of the ground.
False. It consists of the surface of Earth and the interior of Earth.
True or False? Humans have little to do with the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution.
False. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has never been this high in the last 800,000 years due to the burning of fossil fuels.
True or False? Convection currents create winds and weather.
True
True or False? Most of Earth's water is fresh water.
False. Most of Earth's water, over 96%, is salt water.
The sun's energy travels to Earth as _________.
Radiation
Convection currents in the mantle result from hot rock closer to the core rising because it is less ______, while cooler rock sinks back down.
Dense
Plants take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and use it to create food though photosynthesis, releasing ______ in the process.
Oxygen
When the surface of Earth is heated, it creates ______ ______ in the air because warm air rises and cold air falls.
convection currents
When water vapor cools to a liquid, it is called ______?
Condensation
What is albedo?
The fraction of light a surface reflects.
What is plate tectonics?
The movement of the crust due to movements in the underlying mantle.
What are abiotic factors?
All the nonliving things that plants and animals need to survive, such as air, water, and a certain temperature range.
What is the jet stream?
A stream, or body of air 30,000 feet up in the atmosphere which drives a lot of weather systems.
What is the cryosphere?
The Earth's frozen water system: ice sheets, glaciers, snow, and ice
Explain how the Earth's tilt is related to the way the sun heats the surface.
Since the Earth is tilted on its axis, the sun hits the surface at different angles, heating the surface unevenly.
Explain how volcanic eruptions can affect the temperature of the planet.
Volcanic eruptions put tons and tons of ash and gases into the atmosphere. This scatters sunlight and can lead to cooler temperatures on Earth’s surface.
Explain how humans burning of fossil fuels can increase Earth's temperature.
Burning fossil fuels release greenhouse gases, which absorb radiation from the sun and scatter it in all directions, at times sending heat back towards the surface.
Explain how carbon dioxide is both a positive, necessary thing and also a negative thing.
Plants need carbon dioxide in order to make food during photosynthesis. Earth needs greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, to keep temperatures on the surface favorable for life. But, too much carbon dioxide can heat Earth's surface too much, causing imbalances in the different spheres.
Explain what happens when the temperature of the oceans rise.
Answers may include: The water expands when it is warm, increasing sea level, Warmer temperatures disrupt underwater environments, disturbing marine life, weather events in the ocean increase.
Link to the atmosphere: Explain why heat from the surface of the Earth doesn't escape into space.
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor absorb energy from the sun and scatter it in all directions, acting like a blanket around Earth.
Link to the Hydrosphere: How is the shape of the surface of the land related to the hydrosphere?
Example: The shape of the land can affect rainfall. Coastal mountains block rain from getting past them and falling inland because water vapor condenses and falls on the windward side.
Link to Geosphere: Explain how parts of the Biosphere can become parts of the Geosphere.
Remains of dead organisms were compressed in layers for the geosphere to form coal, oil, and natural gas.
Link to the Sun: Explain how the sun's rays and clouds are related.
Clouds can scatter and reflect the sun's rays and reflect heat back into space.
Link to Biosphere: Explain how increased weather events can affect living things.
Example: Increased flooding can destroy homes and habitats and increased droughts can kill native plants.