1. Energy in Earth Systems Benchmarks

2. 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
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3. 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
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4. 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
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. Which of the following power plants use nonrenewable resources?
Hydroelectric power plant (Dam)
Coal power plant
Windmill farm
Solar power plants
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8. 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
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9. 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.
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. 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
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