Physical Systems
Name the 4 major Earth systems
Atmosphere, Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Biosphere
What is the imaginary line Earth spins on?
Axis
Which event gives the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere?
Summer Solstice
Define weather
(Short-term conditions like rain, snow, or wind)
Which system provides minerals and soil for farming?
Lithosphere
Which system includes all living things?
Biosphere
How long does one rotation take?
24 hours
Which event gives the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere?
Winter Solstice
Define climate
Long-term weather patterns in an area
Which system is studied to predict storms and climate change?
Atmosphere
Which system contains all water on Earth?
Hydrosphere
What is Earth’s yearly path around the Sun called?
Revolution/Orbit
When are day and night equal in length?
Equinox
What is the greenhouse effect?
Gases trap heat in atmosphere
Which event occurs around March 21 in the Northern Hemisphere?
Spring/Vernal Equinox
Which system is Earth’s solid outer shell?
Lithosphere
How many degrees is Earth tilted on its axis?
23.5°
What date does the Autumnal Equinox occur in the Northern Hemisphere?
September 23
What is precipitation?
Moisture falling: rain, snow, sleet, hail
What causes monsoons?
Seasonal wind shifts bringing heavy rain
Which system protects Earth from harmful radiation?
Atmosphere
Which latitude receives the most direct sunlight year-round?
Equator
Why are seasons opposite in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
Tilt of Earth’s axis
What is a rain shadow?
Dry area behind mountains blocked from rain
Why do places near the equator have little seasonal change?
Consistent direct sunlight