Chapter 8

Question 1

Earth’s magnetic field:

Answer 1

prevents charged particles in the solar wind from reaching the surface.

Question 2

Which major atmospheric component is chiefly a product of life processes?

Answer 2

oxygen

Question 3

What is the process that physically transfers heat from a lower (hotter) to a higher (cooler) level?

Answer 3

convection

Question 4

From the center outward, the correct order is:

Answer 4

solid metallic inner core, molten metal outer core, sillicate mantle and crust

Question 5

Within Earth’s atmosphere, in which layer does convection occur?

Answer 5

the troposphere

Question 6

Like other solid bodies in the solar system, Earth’s surface was kept molten by:

Answer 6

bombardment by small bodies

Question 7

The principal greenhouse gases in our present atmosphere are:

Answer 7

water vapor and carbon dioxide

Question 8

Which of these is NOT a product of plate tectonics and hot spots?

Answer 8

the Grand Canyon’s eroded depths

Question 9

When strong solar winds are displaced poleward by our magnetic fields, we get:

Answer 9

intense auroral displays

Question 10

Within Earth’s atmosphere the ozone layer is located:

Answer 10

in the atmosphere

Question 11

Above about 100 km, the high-energy portion of the Sun’s radiation spectrum breaks down molecules into atoms. What is this part of Earth’s atmosphere called?

Answer 11

the ionosphere

Question 12

Without the Greenhouse Effect operating in our atmosphere,

Answer 12

Earth would have an average temperature of -23 degrees Celsius

Question 13

We determine the structure of the Earth’s core using:

Answer 13

seismic wave data

Question 14

Which body has the greatest gravitational pull on Earth?

Answer 14

the Sun

Question 15

How is the existence of Earth’s unique atmosphere explained?

Answer 15

the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere is a result of early life on Earth