PAX PAX Earth Science 3

Question 1

What is the primary cause of ocean tides on Earth?

Accepted Answer

The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun

Answer

Earth's rotation speed

Answer

Wind patterns over the ocean surface

Answer

Temperature differences in ocean water

Question 2

What is humus in the context of soil science?

Accepted Answer

Decomposed organic matter in soil

Answer

A clay mineral found in subsoil

Answer

Sand particles larger than 2 mm

Answer

Calcium carbonate deposits in arid soils

Question 3

What is an aquifer?

Accepted Answer

An underground layer of permeable rock saturated with water

Answer

An underwater volcanic vent

Answer

A type of deep ocean current

Answer

A surface reservoir formed by glacial melt

Question 4

What type of energy is generated by harnessing heat from within the Earth?

Accepted Answer

Geothermal energy

Answer

Solar energy

Answer

Tidal energy

Answer

Biomass energy

Question 5

What is the key difference between weathering and erosion?

Accepted Answer

Weathering breaks down rock in place; erosion transports the material

Answer

Weathering moves rock particles; erosion breaks them down

Answer

Weathering occurs only in water; erosion occurs only in air

Answer

There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable

Question 6

What is the term for when a species no longer exists anywhere on Earth?

Accepted Answer

Extinct

Answer

Endangered

Answer

Threatened

Answer

Extirpated

Question 7

What does the carbon cycle describe?

Accepted Answer

The continuous movement of carbon through the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere

Answer

The path carbon takes only through living organisms

Answer

The process of burning fossil fuels to release stored energy

Answer

The formation of diamonds deep within Earth's crust