1. 1. Which provides the best evidence for the theory that faults and volcanoes are results of tectonic plate interactions?
Faults on tectonic plates are in constant motion, but volcanoes may not erupt for many years.
Faults and volcanoes existed long before there were tectonic plates.
Tectonic plates that have many faults do not usually have volcanoes.
Faults and volcanoes are often found at tectonic plate boundaries.

2. 2. The breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles without a change in composition is called____________________________________________
igneous intrusion
chemical precipitation
mechanical weathering
metamorphic foliation

3. Metamorphic rocks with a layered or banded look are called —
a. foliated
b. unfoliated
c. striated
d. evaporated

4. . Which recent geologic processes commonly occur in the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina?
Crustal uplift and rock deformation
Rifting and intrusion
Erosion and deposition
Subduction and metamorphism

5. Identical rock types, identical fossils, and very similar mountain ranges are found on different continents that are separated by a wide ocean. Which of these best explains these observations?
Organisms traveled between these continents on land bridges.
The same forces erode mountains in different locations.
These continents were joined together at one time in the past.
Some rock types are very common and are found everywhere.

6. 6. The river shown on the topographic map flows fastest at point —
a. 1 b c d. 4

7. 7. Which layer of the soil profile would be affected the most by weathering and erosion?
1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

8. 8. The folding and faulting found in the rocks of the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina were created by —
collisions of continental plates
wave action of prehistoric ocean
the Coriolis effect
heating and cooling of the prehistoric atmosphere

9. . The major disadvantage of using solar panels to generate electricity is that solar panels —
release toxic fumes into the air
cannot convert energy efficiently
are affected by cloud coverage and day length
produce energy that cannot be stored

10. . Limestone chips dissolve after they are placed in a beaker of dilute acid. Which geologic process is this most similar to?
Faulting
Folding
Weathering
Subduction

11. The map above shows the earthquake activity in North Carolina over the past two decades. Based on the information which section of North Carolina is most likely to experience an earthquake?
Piedmont b. Mountains
c. Outer coastal plain d. Inner coastal plain

12. Which statement describes the motion of Earth around the sun?
A The speed of Earth is constant regardless of its distance from the sun.
B The speed of Earth is constant because the distance remains the same between Earth and the sun.
C Speed increases the farther Earth is from the sun and decreases the closer it is to the sun.
D Speed increases the closer Earth is to the sun and decreases the farther it is from the sun.

13. If it is summer in the northern hemisphere, which statement is true?
A Earth has changed the tilt of its axis by 20 degrees due to its revolution.
B It is winter in the southern hemisphere due to the tilt of Earth’s axis.
C It is summer in the southern hemisphere due to the tilt of Earth’s axis.
D Earth has reached its closest point to the sun due to its revolution.

14. Which describes the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
A Nuclear fission is the process that produces the radiant energy of stars, and nuclear fusion splits a heavier nucleus into smaller nuclei.
B Nuclear fission splits a heavier nucleus into smaller nuclei, and nuclear fusion is the process that produces the radiant energy of stars.
C Nuclear fission produces the energy in the core of Earth, and nuclear fusion produces energy in nuclear power plants.
D Nuclear fission produces energy in nuclear power plants, and nuclear fusion produces the energy in the core of Earth.

15. How does a straight alignment between Earth, the sun, and the moon impact the tides on Earth?
A It produces the greatest change in high and low tides.
B It produces the least change in high and low tides.
C It produces semidiurnal tides.
D It produces diurnal tides.

16. How does heat from the sun get to Earth?
A by radiation, using electromagnetic waves to transfer the heat
B by convection, using liquids and gases to transfer the heat
C by conduction, using solids to transfer the heat
D by absorption, using primary waves to transfer the heat

17. Why do green plants require solar energy?
A to produce their own food
B to absorb nitrogen into their roots
C to release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
D to decompose the dead or decaying remains of plants

18. Which structure can form as a result of a divergent plate boundary?
A a continental volcanic arc, due to the collision of two plates
B a continental mountain, due to the collision of two plates
C a mid-ocean ridge, due to the separation of two plates
D an ocean trench, due to the separation of two plates

19. Which would produce the most severe earthquake damage along the surface of Earth?
A an earthquake with a deep focus and a magnitude of 2.5
B an earthquake with a shallow focus and a magnitude of 2.5
C an earthquake with a deep focus and a magnitude of 4.5
D an earthquake with a shallow focus and a magnitude of 4.5

20. Scientists are studying a graph showing the time differences between the seismic P-waves and the seismic S-waves as they travel through Earth. Which information can they learn from the graph?
A the magnitude of an earthquake
B the duration of an earthquake
C the epicenter of an earthquake
D the intensity of an earthquake

21. Which agent of erosion leads to the formation of sand dunes?
A ice
B wind
C water
D gravity

22. How can water be an agent for physical weathering?
A by absorbing gases from the atmosphere and ground to chemically react with minerals
B by seeping into the soil and dissolving the minerals in rocks
C by absorbing sulfur oxides and creating acid precipitation
D by seeping into the cracks of rocks and freezing

23. Which is most likely a prevention strategy for flooding?
A building artificial levees
B reducing water consumption
C recycling bottled-water containers
D building waste landfills for metals and other contaminants

24. How could the removal of trees and other vegetation impact an environment?
A by increasing oxygen production
B by increasing soil formation
C by increasing transpiration
D by increasing erosion

25. Large quantities of sand can be added to the beach to stabilize the shoreline. Which describes a disadvantage of this process?
A It causes inland erosion.
B It is a short-term solution.
C It creates a barrier that prevents the tides from occurring along the coastline.
D It creates a wall that disrupts the vegetation along the coastline.

26. Which is an advantage of safely using uranium as an energy source rather than using coal?
A Uranium produces energy without polluting the atmosphere, while burning coal can increase the CO2 in the atmosphere.
B Uranium reduces the amount of thermal pollution, while burning coal can increase the amount of thermal pollution.
C Uranium is the most cost-efficient energy resource, while coal is the most expensive energy resource. D Uranium can be easily mined from deep within Earth, while coal is a hard resource to mine from deep within Earth.

27. Which results from the unequal heating of the ocean water of Earth?
A a constant sea level
B changes in tidal patterns
C unchanging climate for all regions on Earth
D changes in ocean current patterns

28. Why are ocean currents important to coastal regions?
A They produce high and low tides along coastal regions.
B They can warm or cool the air temperatures along coastal regions.
C They move vertically pushing warm water and nutrients to the surface along coastal regions.
D They increase the rate of precipitation as cold water moves along coastal regions.

29. Which is formed when a section of impermeable rock forces groundwater to move laterally and emerge onto the surface of Earth?
A a spring
B an aquifer
C a geyser
D a well

30. How could a long-term decrease in precipitation impact an area?
A It could increase the average water level of lakes in the area.
B It could increase the amount of flooding in the area.
C It could decrease the amount of possible infiltration in the area.
D It could decrease the possible amount of damage to crops in the area.

31. Which consequence could an exponentially growing human population have on drinkable water?
A It could cause a decrease in the amount of waste and pollutants in the water supply.
B It could cause an increase in the amount of water available for the population.
C It could cause an increase in cases of waterborne diseases.
D It could cause a decrease in needing water for survival.

32. A local government is considering whether to build a dam
A local government is considering whether to build a dam. Which is an advantage of building this structure?
A It can decrease the accumulation of sediment in the water.
B It can improve the natural habitat of plants and animals.
C It is an inexpensive process.
D It can create a storage place for water.

33. The drilling for freshwater increases along a coastal area
The drilling for freshwater increases along a coastal area. What is a likely consequence of this action?
A an intrusion of salt water into aquifers
B the loss of water resources in estuaries
C the destruction of estuaries because of an increase in sea levels
D a decrease in salt concentration in inlet waterways

34. 23 In which atmospheric layer of Earth do thunderstorms occur?
A thermosphere
B mesosphere
C stratosphere
D troposphere

35. Which gas makes up the largest component of the Earth’s atmosphere?
A argon (Ar)
B oxygen (O2)
C nitrogen (N2)
D carbon dioxide (CO2)

36. Which statement describes the general movement of air masses?
A They move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.
B They move from areas of high altitude to areas of low altitude.
C They move from areas of low humidity to areas of high humidity.
D They move from areas of low temperature to areas of high temperature.

37. Which most likely occurs when a fast-moving cold air mass moves into a region of warmer, moist air?
A It causes light precipitation for a long period of time.
B It causes light precipitation for a short period of time.
C It causes heavy precipitation for a long period of time.
D It causes heavy precipitation for a short period of time.

38. Which contributes to the formation of hurricanes during the late summer?
A the interaction between ocean water salinity and warm air masses
B the interaction between ocean water currents and polar air masses
C the interaction between ocean water temperatures and warm air masses
D the interaction between ocean water salinity and ocean water density

39. Which is a major source of air pollution created by humans?
A hydroelectric plants
B industrial factories
C reforestation
D nuclear power

40. How is the balance of heat energy maintained in the oceans?
The sun’s energy is equally distributed throughout the oceans
The tides transfer heat energy across the oceans
The movement of waves transfers heat energy throughout the oceans
Heat energy is cycled by currents between the equator and the polar regions.

41. In what type of soil would seepage of groundwater into streams occur the slowest?
Fine sand
Gravel
Fine clay
Silt

42. How would several wells in a given area affect the balance of groundwater recharge and discharge?
The wells would provide dissolved oxygen
The wells would increase the water table level by adding water from runoff
The wells would deplete the groundwater which is usually supplied by percolation from rain
The wells would provide storage areas for groundwater to maintain the water level

43. When a sewer pipe breaks near a stream which would most likely occur?
Increase in salinity
Decrease in dissolved nitrogen
Decrease in dissolved oxygen
Increase in pesticides

44. How does a cold front form?
Warm air advances and replaces cold air
Cold air advances, forcing warm air to rise
Warm and cold air masses mix and meet
Warm and cold air masses have no relative advancement

45. Why do planes fly in the stratosphere, the second-lowest layer of the atmosphere?
To avoid storms and other weather events
To receive better radio communication
To fly at supersonic speeds without air resistance
To avoid changes in air pressure

46. Many of the biomes that exist on Earth can be found in the western part of NC. What is the primary reason for the existence of such a wide range of biomes in this area?
The rivers and lakes in the mountain areas
The wide range of altitudes of the mountains
The types of rocks that make up the mountains
The wind and water erosion of the mountains

47. Why would citizens be advised to recycle plastic products?
Because the products are not biodegradable and would therefore accumulate
Because this would increase the consumption of petroleum products
Because this would decrease the amount of green industry jobs
Because the products can be made into inexpensive public art
nitrogen cycles

48. Which type of clouds are tornadoes associated with?
Cirrus
Cumulonimbus
Stratus
Cumulus

49. Cracks in rocks widen as water in them freezes and thaws
Cracks in rocks widen as water in them freezes and thaws. How does this affect the surface of the Earth?
A It reduces the rates of soil formation.
B It changes the chemical composition of the rocks.
C It exposes rocks to increased rates of erosion and weathering.
D It limits the exposure of rocks to acid precipitation.

50. How can urbanization affect a local area?
A It can increase the number of invasive species in an area.
B It can decrease the risk of water pollution in an area.
C It can increase the risk of flooding in an area.
D It can decrease the need for natural resources in an area.

51. Which is a farming technique that could improve the soil and the environment?
A using fueled machines that will turn the soil continuously
B creating undisturbed layers of mulch in the soil
C placing inorganic chemical fertilizers in the soil
D irrigating the soil with salty water

52. Subsurface ocean currents continually circulate from the warm waters near the equator to the colder waters in other parts of the world. What is the main cause of these currents?
A differences in the topography along the ocean floor
B differences in density of ocean water
C the rotation of Earth on its axis
D movement of the jet stream

53. What is most responsible for the presence of groundwater in an area?
A the movement of water from a confined aquifer into surface water
B the movement of surface water and precipitation through soil and rock
C the movement of water from streams and rivers to watersheds
D the movement of surface water through impermeable rock

54. Which is the most common contamination source for freshwater resources?
A runoff
B digging wells
C melting of glaciers
D lightning

55. A community decides to upgrade its water purification and management systems. What lasting impact could this have on available freshwater?
A It could cause a decrease in water demand.
B It could cause a decrease in the water levels.
C It could cause an increase in waterborne diseases.
D It could cause an increase in the freshwater supply.

56. Which storm most likely develops as air masses interact with the warm water in the northwest Pacific Ocean?
A typhoon
B tornado
C blizzard
D monsoon

57. Which is associated with an increase of chlorofluorocarbons in the environment?
A an increase in health risks associated with UV radiation
B an increase in levels of methane gas in the atmosphere
C an increase in ozone levels in the upper atmosphere
D an increase in acid precipitation

58. Which natural phenomenon occurs as a result of Earth rotating on its axis?
A movement of tectonic plates
B deep ocean currents
C seasonal changes
D day and night

59. Urban City X has been referred to as an urban heat island because it tends to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas. The report below lists changes that have occurred in one year in Urban City X. Report for Urban City X:  Eight roads were repaved.  The population increased by 20%.  Public transportation increased by 5%.  Four new apartment complexes were built.  Plans were drafted to build a local park.  A meeting was held about alternative energy sources. What is the main cause of Urban City X being an urban heat island?
A the planting of trees and other vegetation
B the building of rooftop gardens
C the installation of solar panels
D the construction of parking areas and road

60. What long-term impact could the destruction of large areas of forests have on Earth?
A decreased rates of erosion
B increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
C decreased amounts of acid rain
D increased atmospheric oxygen levels

61. Why is it important to conserve the biodiversity of Earth?
A to decrease the amount of global predator populations
B to decrease the stability of major global ocean currents
C to increase the stability of ecosystems during environmental changes
D to increase the amount of nonrenewable resources located in the lithosphere

62. How does the tilt of the Earth’s axis affect the seasons?
A by changing the amount of direct solar energy reaching the surface of Earth
B by influencing the rate of chemical reactions occurring in the atmosphere
C by deflecting the harmful rays of radiation emitted by the sun
D by changing the speed of the rotation of Earth

63. How could the introduction of a nonnative species of plant affect an ecosystem in North Carolina?
A It could pollinate the native plant species, producing a disease-resistant species.
B It could reduce the competition for space and light with native plant species.
C It could take over the habitats of the native plant species.
D It could cause some insect species to destroy native plant species.

64. Which change would best aid a farmer in making the transition from conventional farming techniques to more sustainable farming techniques?
A reduce the ratio of essential elements in the fertilize
r B irrigate crops using well water
C rotate the types of crops grown
D plant only genetically modified crops

65. Which would most likely cause a reduction in the amount of coal and natural gas on Earth?
A a continual increase in the amount of pollution in Earth’s atmosphere
B a continual increase in the number of people on Earth
C a continual decrease in the amount of water in Earth’s aquifers
D a continual decrease in the amount of rain forests on Earth

66. Which is an effect of lower levels of solar radiation striking Earth?
A increased incidences of skin cancer
B decreased rates of photosynthesis
C increased phytoplankton activity
D decreased carbon dioxide levels

67. Which will most likely form when movement along a plate boundary forces a landmass to be pulled apart?
A volcanic island arc
B continental mountains
C continental rift
D oceanic trench