ICAS Earth and Environmental Science 2

Question 1

Which layer of Earth's atmosphere contains the ozone layer that protects life from harmful ultraviolet radiation?

Accepted Answer

Stratosphere

Answer

The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere, approximately 15–35 km above Earth's surface.

Question 2

What process causes rocks to break down into smaller pieces through physical means without changing their chemical composition?

Accepted Answer

Mechanical weathering

Answer

Mechanical (physical) weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without altering their chemical makeup, such as through freeze-thaw cycles.

Question 3

Which type of rock forms when magma cools and solidifies underground?

Accepted Answer

Intrusive igneous

Answer

Intrusive igneous rocks like granite form when magma solidifies slowly beneath Earth's surface.

Question 4

What is the main driver of ocean surface currents?

Accepted Answer

Wind blowing across the ocean surface

Answer

Surface ocean currents are primarily driven by global wind patterns that push water in consistent directions.

Question 5

Which greenhouse gas is produced in the largest quantity by human agricultural practices, particularly from livestock and rice paddies?

Accepted Answer

Methane (CH₄)

Answer

Methane is released in large amounts from cattle digestion and flooded rice paddies, making agriculture a major source.

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