Earth Resources
Practice Test
1.
Oxygen __________.
a.
has not always been a part of Earth's atmosphere
b.
was used up by early life-forms during photosynthesis
c.
is released by volcanic eruptions in large quantities
d.
has been in Earth's atmosphere for the past 4.6 billion years
2.
When condensation takes place, __________ is released and __________ the air.
a.
latent heat, decreases the temperature of
b.
latent particles, warms
c.
latent heat, warms
d.
latent energy, cools
3.
A mineral's __________ is the color when it is powdered.
a.
hardness
b.
density
c.
streak
d.
luster
4.
What is the purpose of a breakwater?
a.
provide anchorage for small boats
b.
protect a harbor
c.
protect the beach from storm waves
d.
interrupt the natural longshore transport of sand
5.
A steppe is a subtype of __________ climates.
a.
temperate
b.
subtropical
c.
polar
d.
dry
6.
__________ has unique properties that allow life to exist on Earth.
a.
Carbon dioxide
b.
Water
c.
Nitrogen
d.
Methane
7.
Artesian aquifers __________.
a.
contain water under pressure
b.
have hard water
c.
often are contaminated with salt water
d.
have problems with subsidence
8.
What is caused by the presence of trace elements in a mineral?
a.
streak
b.
color
c.
harness
d.
luster
9.
A groin is used to __________.
a.
protect the beach from storm waves
b.
interrupt the natural longshore transport of sand
c.
protect a harbor
d.
provide anchorage for small boats
10.
These graphs compare the average temperature and precipitation of two cities. What is the most significant difference between the climates of City X and City Y?
a.
City X is in a very cold area.
b.
City X has consistent rainfall throughout the year.
c.
City Y has a higher average temperature.
d.
City Y has more mild weather.
11.
Which is not a characteristic of a mineral?
a.
naturally occurring
b.
specific chemical composition
c.
definite crystal structure
d.
organic solid
12.
Which is a renewable resource?
a.
oil
b.
diamonds
c.
carbon
d.
silver
13.
What type of solid particles play a role in cloud formation?
a.
clay particles
b.
organic particles
c.
extraterrestrial particles
d.
dust and salt particles
14.
What are natural resources?
a.
all nonrenewable
b.
the resources that the oceans provide
c.
the resources that Earth provides
d.
all renewable
15.
How is oxygen released into Earth's atmosphere?
a.
photosynthetic plants
b.
burning forests
c.
burning fossil fuels
d.
volcanic eruptions
16.
Iron ores are commonly formed by __________.
a.
settling of crystals in igneous rocks
b.
placer deposits
c.
chemical precipitation in layers of sedimentary rocks
d.
hydrothermal fluid migration
17.
According to the figure, why might it be harmful to a small seawater environment to receive too much rain?
a.
rainwater is the same pH as seawter
b.
rainwater is just pure water
c.
rainwater is too basic
d.
rainwater is too acidic
18.
What is the most abundant element in Earth's crust?
a.
iron
b.
silica
c.
potassium
d.
oxygen
19.
What state of the United States has the greatest percentage of public land?
a.
Montana
b.
Alaska
c.
Texas
d.
Utah
20.
Which well shown in the figure would provide the healthiest water?
a.
Well 3
b.
Well 4
c.
Well 2
d.
Well 1
