Earth's Spheres
Name the four main Earth spheres.
Biosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere and Atmosphere
Name two processes in the water cycle.
Evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection (any two)
What is air pressure?
The weight of the air pressing down on Earth’s surface
What causes wind?
Moving air caused by differences in air pressure.
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is the day-to-day conditions, climate is the average weather over a long time
Which sphere includes all living things?
Biosphere
When water vapor cools and turns into liquid, what is that process called?
Condensation
Does air pressure increase or decrease as you go higher in the atmosphere?
Air pressure decreases as you go higher.
Wind moves from areas of ______ pressure to ______ pressure.
High pressure → Low pressure
Which changes more quickly—weather or climate?
Weather changes more quickly (short term)
Which sphere contains Earth’s rocks, mountains, and landforms?
Geosphere
What drives (powers) the water cycle?
The Sun
Which has higher air pressure—sea level or a mountain top?
Sea level has higher air pressure.
What tool measures wind speed?
Anemometer
Name one tool scientists use to measure weather.
thermometer, barometer, anemometer, rain gauge (any one works).
Give an example of how the hydrosphere and biosphere interact.
Animals (biosphere) drink water (hydrosphere)
Answers may vary
Rain, snow, and hail are examples of what stage of the water cycle?
Precipitation
What kind of weather is usually linked to low air pressure?
Cloudy, stormy, or rainy weather
What are global wind patterns that affect Earth’s weather called?
Global winds or wind belts (ex: trade winds, westerlies).
What type of climate does Alabama have—hot & humid or cold & dry?
Hot & humid (southeast U.S. climate)
A hurricane damages homes and floods land. Which spheres are interacting?
Atmosphere (storm winds), hydrosphere (rain/floods), geosphere (land), biosphere (people, animals, homes)
How do the water cycle and the atmosphere interact?
Water evaporates (hydrosphere) into air (atmosphere) → clouds form → rain falls back.
Why does a can crush when heated then cooled in water?
Heating makes air expand and escape; when cooled quickly, outside air pressure crushes the can.
How does uneven heating of Earth cause local winds?
The Sun heats Earth unevenly → warm air rises, cool air sinks → creates local breezes.
How do ocean currents affect climate?
Ocean currents move warm or cold water, which changes the temperature and moisture of nearby air, affecting climate.