ESCI MIDTERM Flashcards
If the universe’s expansion were to accelerate indefinitely, what might be a long-term implication for its structure?
A. Stars and galaxies would drift apart until isolation.
B. Galaxies would cluster more closely together.
C. Black holes would become the dominant structures.
D. Cosmic background radiation would cease to exist.
Stars and galaxies would drift apart until isolation.
Astronomers measure slight temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation. What might these fluctuations indicate about the early universe?
A. The universe was static and uniform in all regions.
B. There were variations in density that led to galaxy formation.
C. Elements heavier than helium were already present.
D. The Big Bang occurred in multiple locations simultaneously.
There were variations in density that led to galaxy formation.
Imagine an early universe where helium abundance is significantly lower than observed. What impact would this have on the development of stars?
A. Heavier elements would form directly, bypassing helium.
B. Stellar lifecycles would remain unaffected.
C. Stars would form more easily due to lighter elements.
D. Star formation would be slower due to insufficient nuclear fuel.
Star formation would be slower due to insufficient nuclear fuel.
A main-sequence star is observed to suddenly increase its luminosity significantly. What might this suggest about the star’s current stage in its life cycle?
A. It is transitioning into a white dwarf.
B. It is collapsing into a black hole.
C. It is about to undergo a supernova explosion.
D. It is entering the red giant phase.
It is entering the red giant phase.
How would the life cycle of a star differ if it formed in a region with low metallicity?
A. It would burn faster due to an abundance of hydrogen.
B. It would struggle to form at all.
C. It would remain in the main sequence for longer.
D. It would form larger planets in its orbit.
It would remain in the main sequence for longer.
An astronomer discovers a galaxy whose spectrum shows an unusually high red shift. What conclusion can be drawn about the galaxy’s motion?
A. It is moving toward the observer at a high speed.
B. It is likely orbiting a nearby cluster.
C. It is not moving relative to the observer.
D. It is moving away at a faster rate than other galaxies.
It is moving away at a faster rate than other galaxies.
If red shift data from distant galaxies suddenly reversed to blue shifts, what might this indicate about the universe’s behavior?
A. The universe is contracting.
B. The galaxies are being destroyed.
C. The universe has stopped expanding.
D. The universe is expanding faster.
The universe is contracting.
A scientist detects a blue shift in the light from a distant star. How can this information be used to analyze the star’s motion?
A. The star is stationary relative to the observer.
B. The star’s velocity cannot be determined from this information.
C. The star is moving closer to the observer.
D. The star is emitting radiation of shorter wavelengths.
The star is moving closer to the observer.
How might the discovery of a galaxy with no hydrogen challenge the Big Bang Theory?
A. It implies that hydrogen forms later in the universe’s evolution.
B. It suggests that hydrogen is not necessary for galaxy formation.
C. It contradicts the theory that hydrogen formed immediately after the Big Bang.
D. It supports the idea of alternate methods of star formation.
It contradicts the theory that hydrogen formed immediately after the Big Bang.
Given the diversity of planetary systems observed, how might our solar system’s features provide insight into its unique formation process?
A. It shows that gas giants always form close to their stars.
B. It confirms that binary star systems are rare.
C. It supports theories involving specific nebular conditions.
D. It suggests that rocky planets form after gas giants.
It supports theories involving specific nebular conditions.
A hypothetical planet rotates much faster than Earth. How might this affect its day-night cycle and weather patterns?
A. Shorter days and more extreme weather
B. Longer days and calmer weather
C. No noticeable effects
D. Longer nights with a stable climate
Shorter days and more extreme weather
If Earth’s axis were not tilted, how would this change the planet’s revolution and seasonal patterns?
A. The seasons would remain unchanged.
B. Only two seasons would exist annually.
C. Seasonal patterns would become unpredictable.
D. There would be no significant seasons.
There would be no significant seasons.
What limitation reduces its acceptance compared to the Nebular Hypothesis?
A. Assumes that the solar system formed from a single star.
B. Cannot explain why planets orbit in the same direction.
C. Does not account for the presence of moons.
D. Conflicts with the idea of gravitational collapse.
Cannot explain why planets orbit in the same direction.
A scientist simulates the conditions of the early solar system. The simulation shows that small rocky bodies grow rapidly in size through collisions. Which hypothesis does this observation support?
A. Encounter Hypothesis
B. Protoplanet Hypothesis
C. Big Bang Theory
D. Steady State Theory
Protoplanet Hypothesis
Which of the following scenarios demonstrates an interaction between the atmosphere and the hydrosphere?
A. Plants absorb water through their roots.
B. Strong winds create ocean waves.
C. Earthquakes cause landslides into rivers.
D. A volcanic eruption releases ash into the air.
Strong winds create ocean waves.
A farmer notices that heavy rain has washed away the topsoil from a field, affecting crop growth. This situation primarily illustrates an interaction between which two subsystems?
A. Hydrosphere and lithosphere
B. Lithosphere and atmosphere
C. Biosphere and lithosphere
D. Atmosphere and hydrosphere
Hydrosphere and lithosphere
“The melting of polar ice caps due to rising global temperatures affects sea levels and coastal ecosystems.” Which subsystems are interacting in this scenario?
A. Atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere
B. Lithosphere and atmosphere
C. Biosphere and lithosphere
D. Hydrosphere and lithosphere
Atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere
Which of the following is an example of how the biosphere impacts the atmosphere?
A. Ocean currents transport heat across the globe.
B. Forests release oxygen through photosynthesis.
C. Volcanic eruptions emit greenhouse gases.
D. Typhoon form over warm ocean waters.
Forests release oxygen through photosynthesis.
A city implements policies to reduce air pollution, which decreases acid rain and improves soil quality in nearby farmlands. Which subsystems are primarily affected, and how does this action demonstrate the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems?
A. Atmosphere and hydrosphere; reduced pollution leads to cleaner water.
B. Lithosphere and biosphere; soil quality supports plant growth and animal life.
C. Hydrosphere and biosphere; human activities protect natural water sources.
D. Atmosphere and lithosphere; actions in one subsystem can directly benefit another.
Atmosphere and lithosphere; actions in one subsystem can directly benefit another.
You find a mineral that leaves a red streak when scratched on a porcelain plate and has a metallic luster. What test could you perform next to confirm if it’s hematite?
A. Test its hardness.
B. Observe its cleavage.
C. Examine its crystal form.
D. Check its reaction to acid.
Test its hardness.
During a field study, a student discovers a mineral that fizzes when exposed to acid. To which mineral group is this specimen most likely classified?
A. Carbonates
B. Silicates
C. Sulfides
D. Oxides
Carbonates
A jeweler is identifying a gemstone that consists mostly of silicon and oxygen. To which mineral group does this gemstone likely belong?
A. Halides
B. Silicates
C. Native Elements
D. Oxides
Silicates
While hiking near a mountain, you discover a rock with large, interlocking crystals. Based on its appearance, where did this rock most likely form?
A. On the ocean floor from quickly cooling lava
B. Near a riverbed through sediment compaction
C. On the Earth’s surface during a volcanic eruption
D. Deep within the Earth’s crust as magma slowly cooled
Deep within the Earth’s crust as magma slowly cooled
A geologist observes a layer of rock containing shell fragments and fossils. What does this tell them about the environment in which the rock was formed?
A. It originated in a riverbed.
B. It developed in a shallow marine environment.
C. It was part of a deep-sea environment.
D. It formed in a volcanic area.
It developed in a shallow marine environment.
A farmer finds that the soil in his field contains many tiny rock fragments that appear to have been transported by water. Which type of sedimentary rock could these fragments eventually form?
A. Shale
B. Sandstone
C. Limestone
D. Conglomerate
Sandstone
A rock sample shows alternating light and dark bands. If this rock was formed under high pressure and temperature, what type of metamorphic rock is it likely to be?
A. Marble
B. Slate
C. Gneiss
D. Quartzite
Gneiss
A construction worker finds a marble slab being used in a building. Based on its characteristics, which type of rock was this marble originally before metamorphism?
A. Granite
B. Shale
C. Limestone
D. Sandstone
Limestone
A geologist observes a rock cycle process where sedimentary rocks are subjected to heat and pressure but do not melt. Which process is occurring?
A. Weathering
B. Melting
C. Deposition
D. Metamorphism
Metamorphism
A basalt rock at the Earth’s surface undergoes intense heat from nearby magma but remains solid. Over time, its structure and composition change. What type of rock does it become, and why?
A. Igneous; it was exposed to magma.
B. Metamorphic; heat altered its minerals without melting.
C. Foliated; bands were formed during cooling.
D. Sedimentary; sediments accumulated on it.
Metamorphic; heat altered its minerals without melting.
In a lab experiment, a student heats a sample of granite until it melts and then cools it rapidly. What part of the rock cycle does this process mimic?
A. Metamorphism of existing rock
B. Erosion and deposition
C. Formation of sedimentary rock
D. Cooling of magma into igneous rock
Cooling of magma into igneous rock
What is weathering
The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces
The breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces
weathering
Which of the following causes physical weathering?
a. High temperatures and abundant water
b. Volcanic eruptions and magmatism
c. Temperature changes, pressure release, and biological activity
d. Transport of material by wind and water
c. Temperature changes, pressure release, and biological activity
In which regions is chemical weathering most effective?
a. Coastal areas with high winds
b. Cold, dry environments
c. Areas with abundant water and high temperatures
d. High-altitude regions
c. Areas with abundant water and high temperatures
Which statement about erosion is INCORRECT?
a. Erosion only occurs in coastal areas
b. Erosion can occur in various environments
c. Erosion involves the transport of material by water, wind, or ice
d. Erosion does not require the presence of water
a. Erosion only occurs in coastal areas
What is magmatism?
The melting of mantle
The melting of mantle
magmatism
Volcanism refers to
Processes related to the movement of magma to the Earth’s surface
Processes related to the movement of magma to the Earth’s surface
Volcanism
The creation of intrusive igneous rocks
result of plutonism
result of plutonism?
The creation of intrusive igneous rocks
Which statement about volcanic eruptions is FALSE?
a. Volcanic activity involves magma reaching the Earth’s surface
b. Eruptions can lead to the formation of new landforms
c. Volcanic eruptions are always highly explosive and destructive
d. Some volcanic eruptions are relatively gentle
c. Volcanic eruptions are always highly explosive and destructive
What is mass wasting?
The downslope movement of soil and rock due to gravity
The downslope movement of soil and rock due to gravity
mass wasting
Erosion involves:
The transport of material by agents like water, wind, or ice
The transport of material by agents like water, wind, or ice
Erosion
T OR F
Rapid volcanic eruptions can cause large-scale destruction and affect global climate.
T
T OR F
The cooling and solidification of magma within Earth’s crust is categorize under volcanism.
F
T OR F
Human activities such as deforestation and mining decrease the likelihood of erosion and mass wasting.
F
T OR F
Plutonic rocks are commonly formed through the weathering at the Earth’s surface.
F
T OR F
Sediments deposited by rivers often form fertile floodplains.
T
T OR F
Weathering processes alone can transport rock materials over long distances.
F
T OR F
Mountain building is primarily shaped by endogenic processes like plate collision and magmatism.
T
T OR F
Weathering and erosion contribute significantly to the degradation o mountain ranges over time.
T
T OR F
Plate tectonics is responsible for creating both mountains and ocean basins.
T
T OR F
Biological activity, such as plant roots growing in cracks, is unrelated to physical weathering.
F
A: Both A and B are TRUE
B: A is TRUE but B is FALSE
C: A is FALSE but B is TRUE
D: Both FALSE
A. During an eruption of Mauna Loa, scientists observe fluid lava flows and minimal explosions, concluding that shield volcanoes are always less explosive than composite volcanoes.
B. They also claim that deep underground volcanic processes are the direct cause of the eruption.
A
A: Both A and B are TRUE
B: A is TRUE but B is FALSE
C: A is FALSE but B is TRUE
D: Both FALSE
A. Geologists studying sedimentary rock layers argue they were formed solely through the deposition and compaction of sediments over time.
B. Also, they argue with the role of erosion in providing the sediments necessary for these rocks to form.
A
A: Both A and B are TRUE
B: A is TRUE but B is FALSE
C: A is FALSE but B is TRUE
D: Both FALSE
A. Researchers studying the Hawaiian Islands assert that their formation is entirely due to hot spot volcanism, with no influence from tectonic plate
boundaries.
B. They also suggest that magmatism has no connection to the creation of volcanic islands.
B
A: Both A and B are TRUE
B: A is TRUE but B is FALSE
C: A is FALSE but B is TRUE
D: Both FALSE
A. Urban planners decide to develop near a steep slope, reasoning that the
steepness makes it not prone to mass wasting events.
B. They also argue that any mass wasting in the area will occur slowly and gradually, allowing time to mitigate risks.
D
A: Both A and B are TRUE
B: A is TRUE but B is FALSE
C: A is FALSE but B is TRUE
D: Both FALSE
A. Geologists examining limestone cliffs observes that the rate of chemical weathering do not vary depending on the mineral composition of the rocks and the surrounding environmental conditions.
B. Meanwhile, they argue that physical weathering processes occurs in varying climates.
C
T OR F
During an eruption of Mauna Loa, scientists observe fluid lava flows and minimal explosions, concluding that shield volcanoes are always less explosive than composite volcanoes.
T
T OR F
They claim that deep underground volcanic processes are the direct cause of the eruption.
T
T OR F
Geologists studying sedimentary rock layers argue they were formed solely through the deposition and compaction of sediments over time.
T
T OR F
Geologist argue with the role of erosion in providing the sediments necessary for these rocks to form.
T
T OR F
Researchers studying the Hawaiian Islands assert that their formation is entirely due to hot spot volcanism, with no influence from tectonic plate boundaries.
T
T OR F
They also suggest that magmatism has no connection to the creation of volcanic islands.
F
T OR F
Urban planners decide to develop near a steep slope, reasoning that the steepness makes it not prone to mass wasting events.
F
T OR F
Geologists examining limestone cliffs observes that the rate of chemical weathering do not vary depending on the mineral composition of the rocks and the surrounding environmental conditions.
F
they argue that physical weathering processes occurs in
varying climates
T
