Science of Earth
Which branch of Earth science investigates Earth’s solid materials, including rocks and plate tectonics?
What is geology
Lines measuring north and south of the equator are called what?
What is Latitude
What is used on a map to determine direction?
What is compass rose
What do contour lines on a topographic map represent?
What is elevation
What does GPS stand for?
What is Global Positioning System
Which Earth science branch studies the atmosphere and weather?
What is Meterology
The line at 0° longitude is called?
What is Prime Meridian
Why does the Mercator projection preserve direction but distort size near the poles?
It stretches landmasses to keep lines of latitude and longitude straight
What does it mean when contour lines are spaced far apart
What is gentle slope or flat terrain
GPS works by receiving signals from how many satellites at minimum?
4 satellites
Distinguish between constructive and destructive forces on Earth’s surface. Give an example of each
Constructive build landforms, e.g., volcanic eruptions; destructive wear them down, e.g., erosion
If a location is at 30°N, 90°W, what city or continent is this near?
What is North America
Which projection balances size and shape distortion, making it useful for world maps
What is Robinson Projection
How can you determine river flow direction from contour lines?
Contour lines bend upstream, forming a “V” shape pointing against flow
Differentiate between polar and geostationary satellite orbits.
Polar = global coverage, good for mapping; Geostationary = good for weather
Provide one example where constructive and destructive forces act together to shape the same landform.
Mountains: uplift builds them, erosion wears them down
Why do scientists prefer geographic coordinates over place names when conducting research?
Coordinates provide universal, exact locations that avoid ambiguity
Why is map scale critical when interpreting scientific data
It determines accuracy of distance and area calculations, essential for field studies and planning
Distinguish between elevation, relief, and gradient.
Elevation = height above sea level; Relief = difference between high and low
What is GIS, and how does it enhance Earth science research?
Geographic Information System: integrates multiple layers of data for advanced spatial analysis
Why is it important for Earth scientists to study constructive and destructive forces when planning human infrastructure?
To predict hazards, guide construction, and reduce risk in areas like coasts, mountains, floodplains
Assess the importance of precise coordinate systems in fields such as climate science, navigation, and disaster response
Enables accurate data collection, modeling, and global collaboration
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using globes versus flat map projections in Earth science research.
Globe = accurate shape/size; Map = practical, but always distorted
Explain how topographic maps can be used in hazard management, such as predicting flood zones or landslides.
They show slope, elevation, and drainage patterns critical for risk analysis
Evaluate one modern example of how GPS and satellites are critical in responding to a natural disaster.
Hurricane tracking, earthquake relief, wildfire mapping, etc.