Energy in Earth Systems Benchmarks

The equator is typically warmer than the poles because of the following: There is a longer period of daylight on the equator than poles There is more ice on the poles cooling it down The sunlight is more direct because the angle of the light is at a higher angle on the equator There is more cloud cover on the poles blocking the sun Response Grid

In Washington, it is warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter because: We are closer to the Sun in the summer because of the orbit of the Earth around the Sun We are closer to the Sun in the summer because of tilt of the Earth on its axis towards the Sun There are more clouds in the winter blocking the Sun The tilt the Earth’s axis makes the sunlight more direct and therefore more intense in the summer Response Grid

The Pacific Ocean is responsible for this seasonal weather pattern in Western Washington. There are colder summers and warmer winters There is more snow in the winter There are warmer summers and colder winters The warm Gulf Stream Current causes warmer winters Response Grid

Human activity is affecting the global temperature due to which of the following: Coal burning industries Release of carbon from our methods of transportation Deforestation All of the above Response Grid

Which definition best describes climate? The day to day temperature and precipitation The weather patterns of a region measured over a long period of time The amount of snowfall measured in 2010 All of the above Response Grid

Which of the following power plants use nonrenewable resources? Hydroelectric power plant (Dam) Coal power plant Windmill farm Solar power plants Response Grid

Which of the following is a consequence of hydroelectric power? Global Warming We lose the amount of water in the region as a natural resource It interferes with the salmon returning upstream to spawn All of the above Response Grid

Which explanation best describes why it is warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter? Earth is closer to the sun in summer because of its orbit. The tilt of Earth’s axis puts one hemisphere closer to the sun in the summer. There are more clouds in the winter blocking the Sun. The tilt of Earth’s axis makes the sunlight more direct in the summer. Response Grid

The Columbia River Gorge The Cascade Mountain Range Compared to Eastern Washington, Western Washington has cooler summers and warmer winters. What physical feature is responsible for this difference? The Pacific Ocean The Olympic Mountains The Columbia River Gorge The Cascade Mountain Range Response Grid

Human activity is affecting the global temperature due to which of the following: Using dams to generate power Using windmill farms to supply power Using solar power Burning fossil fuels Response Grid

Human activity is affecting the global ocean pH due to which of the following: Using dams to generate power Using windmill farms to supply power Using solar power Burning fossil fuels Response Grid