PSSA PSSA Earth and Space Science 2

Question 1

What causes ocean tides?

Accepted Answer

The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans

Answer

Ocean tides are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Moon (and to a lesser extent the Sun) on Earth's oceans.

Question 2

What is erosion?

Accepted Answer

The process by which wind, water, and ice wear away and carry rock and soil

Answer

Erosion is the process by which natural forces like wind, water, and ice wear away and transport rock and soil from one place to another.

Question 3

Which planet is known as the 'Red Planet'?

Accepted Answer

Mars

Answer

Mars is called the Red Planet because its surface is covered with iron oxide (rust), giving it a reddish appearance.

Question 4

What is the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

The trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere by greenhouse gases

Answer

The greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough for life.

Question 5

What is a fault in geology?

Accepted Answer

A fracture in Earth's crust where rocks have moved relative to each other

Answer

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures in Earth's crust along which the rocks on either side have moved relative to each other.

PSSA - Pennsylvania System of School Assessment Practice Test