Earth and Environmental Science

Question 1

List the three states of water on Earth.

Answer 1

Solid (ice, snow), Liquid (oceans, rivers, lakes), Gas (water vapor).

Question 2

Why is water’s density anomaly important?

Answer 2

Ice floats, insulating aquatic life and maintaining ecosystems beneath frozen surfaces.

Question 3

What gives water its high surface tension?

Answer 3

Cohesive hydrogen bonding between water molecules.

Question 4

Why does water have a high boiling point?

Answer 4

Strong hydrogen bonds require more energy to break compared to other molecules.

Question 5

How does water regulate climate?

Answer 5

By absorbing and storing heat, moderating global temperatures.

Question 6

Define cohesion in water.

Answer 6

Water molecules sticking to each other, allowing for surface tension and droplet formation.

Question 7

Why is water called a ‘universal solvent’?

Answer 7

It dissolves a wide variety of substances due to its polarity.

Question 8

What percentage of Earth’s water is saltwater?

Answer 8

0.97

Question 9

What percentage of Earth’s water is frozen fresh water?

Answer 9

About 2% in glaciers and ice caps.

Question 10

What percentage of Earth’s water is accessible fresh water?

Answer 10

Less than 1%.

Question 11

Why use a pie chart to show water distribution?

Answer 11

It visually displays the proportions of each water type relative to the whole.

Question 12

What drives surface ocean currents?

Answer 12

Wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.

Question 13

What drives deep ocean currents?

Answer 13

Differences in water temperature and salinity (thermohaline circulation).

Question 14

What is the Coriolis effect?

Answer 14

Deflection of moving fluids due to Earth’s rotation.

Question 15

Which direction do currents turn in the Northern Hemisphere?

Answer 15

Clockwise.

Question 16

Which direction do currents turn in the Southern Hemisphere?

Answer 16

Counterclockwise.

Question 17

What is upwelling?

Answer 17

Movement of deep, nutrient-rich water to the ocean surface.

Question 18

How does upwelling support ecosystems?

Answer 18

It brings nutrients that fuel phytoplankton growth, forming the base of food webs.

Question 19

Define the cryosphere.

Answer 19

Portions of Earth’s surface where water is frozen, such as ice sheets, glaciers, and permafrost.

Question 20

How has the cryosphere changed over time?

Answer 20

Significant ice loss in glaciers and ice sheets, contributing to sea level rise.

Question 21

Why is the cryosphere important?

Answer 21

It reflects solar radiation and regulates Earth’s temperature.

Question 22

Name two regions where the cryosphere exists outside of the poles.

Answer 22

Tibetan Plateau and Rocky Mountains.

Question 23

Name two causes of soil salinity.

Answer 23

Land clearing and irrigation

Question 24

List two impacts of salinity.

Answer 24

Degraded soil quality and loss of biodiversity.

Question 25

How can salinity be managed?

Answer 25

Planting deep-rooted vegetation and improving water management practices.

Question 26

What causes eutrophication?

Answer 26

Nutrient enrichment, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, from runoff and pollution.

Question 27

What is the consequence of eutrophication?

Answer 27

Harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen and kill aquatic life.

Question 28

List one direct human cause of eutrophication.

Answer 28

Fertilizer runoff from agriculture.

Question 29

Describe a major impact of algal blooms.

Answer 29

Creation of dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.

Question 30

Summarize Lake Erie's 2011 bloom.

Answer 30

Largest harmful bloom recorded due to phosphorus runoff and warm stagnant conditions.

Question 31

Define over-extraction of water.

Answer 31

Excessive withdrawal of groundwater or surface water beyond natural recharge rates.

Question 32

List two impacts of over-extraction.

Answer 32

Groundwater depletion and habitat loss.

Question 33

What are the three stages of sewage treatment?

Answer 33

Primary (screening), Secondary (biological treatment), Tertiary (disinfection).

Question 34

What is industrial wastewater?

Answer 34

Water contaminated by industrial processes requiring specialized treatment.

Question 35

List two potential reuses of treated wastewater.

Answer 35

Irrigation and industrial cooling.

Question 36

What is stormwater?

Answer 36

Rainwater runoff that collects pollutants before reaching waterways.

Question 37

What is a stormwater net?

Answer 37

A filtration device to capture debris from stormwater runoff.

Question 38

How do reed detention ponds purify water?

Answer 38

By slowing down runoff and allowing sediment and pollutants to settle.

Question 39

What are ENSO-neutral conditions?

Answer 39

Typical trade winds and ocean currents resulting in stable climate patterns.

Question 40

Describe El Niño conditions.

Answer 40

Weakening trade winds, eastward movement of warm water, disrupted weather patterns.

Question 41

Describe La Niña conditions.

Answer 41

Strengthened trade winds, enhanced upwelling, cooler ocean temperatures.

Question 42

What happens to Australia during El Niño?

Answer 42

Drought and reduced rainfall.

Question 43

What happens to Australia during La Niña?

Answer 43

Increased rainfall and potential flooding.

Question 44

How does El Niño affect South America?

Answer 44

Increased rainfall and flooding.

Question 45

How does La Niña affect global temperatures?

Answer 45

Generally cooler global average temperatures.

Question 46

What is the thermocline?

Answer 46

A layer in the ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth.

Question 47

What happens to the thermocline during El Niño?

Answer 47

It flattens, reducing upwelling.

Question 48

What happens to the thermocline during La Niña?

Answer 48

It steepens, increasing upwelling.

Question 49

List one direct human impact on water systems.

Answer 49

Over-extraction.

Question 50

List one indirect human impact on water systems.

Answer 50

Eutrophication from fertilizer runoff.

Question 51

Why is water reuse important?

Answer 51

Conserves freshwater resources and reduces environmental pressure.

Question 52

Name two advantages of water recycling.

Answer 52

Saves drinking water supplies and reduces pollution discharge.