EARTH’S SYSTEMS
Name one of the main sources of energy that drive Earth’s processes?
The Sun/Earth’s interior heat
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term conditions; climate is long-term patterns
What is a natural hazard?
A natural event that can cause damage (earthquakes, floods, etc.)
What is one way humans negatively impact Earth?
Pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction
What is global warming?
The increase in Earth’s average temperature
What is one way the geosphere can influence the atmosphere?
rain shadows or relief rain
Name one factor that influences weather.
Sunlight, ocean, atmosphere, landforms, ice, or living things
Give one example of a natural hazard.
Earthquake, hurricane, flood, volcano, wildfire
What can happen when habitats are destroyed?
Species may go extinct
What gases are a major contributor to global warming?
Carbon dioxide and Methane
Name one Earth's spheres involved in the movement of matter.
Atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, or biosphere
How does latitude affect climate?
Places near the equator are warmer; poles are colder
Why do scientists study past natural disasters?
To predict future events
Can human impacts ever be positive? Give an example.
Yes—conservation, recycling, renewable energy
What human activity releases greenhouse gases?
Burning fossil fuels/Combustion
What happens if more energy enters Earth than leaves it?
Earth warms (temperature increases)
How does distance from the ocean influence weather?
Closer = more rain
farther = more dry
Which natural hazards are worsened by global climate change (need 3)
floods, drought, typhoon, landslides, avalanches, tornadoes
What happens as human populations increase? (Give two impacts)
More resources are used, More pollution is made, cities are more crowded, housing is more expensive...
What is one way to reduce climate change?
Use renewable energy, reduce emissions, conserve resources
What prevents some energy from leaving Earth’s atmosphere?
Greenhouse gases
What causes winds to move in a curved line instead of a straight line?
The Coriolis Effect
What are the geologic natural hazards? (need 3)
tsunami, earthquake, volcano eruption
How can technology reduce environmental harm and also increase environmental harm?
Positive: By creating cleaner energy and sustainable solutions. AI can analyze data faster
Negative: Technology requires greater use of water and electricity.
What helps people respond effectively to climate change?
Government policies and regulations, scientific knowledge for children and adults, distributing resources from countries that have resources to those that don't, international cooperation