1/2/12 Page 70 Ginny enjoys mountain climbing. Today, she is climbing Mt. Sheridan, which is the tallest mountain she’s ever climbed. When Ginny makes it to the top, she notices that it is more difficult to catch her breath. At higher elevations, why is it harder for Ginny to breathe? F. At higher altitudes, the air is too cold. G. At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower. H. At higher altitudes, the air contains too much nitrogen. I. At higher altitudes, the air contains too much carbon dioxide.

1/3/12 Page 70 The gases that make up Earth’s atmosphere are commonly referred to as air. Air consists of major gases and trace gases. What is air? A. a mixture B. a molecule C. an element D. a compound

1/4/12 Page 72 Matthew and Mei measure the temperature of the water in a lake at different times of the day. The following table shows their data at four different times. At what time was the thermal energy of the lake water the greatest? F. 9 a.m. G. 11 a.m H. 3 p.m. I. 5 p.m.

1/5/12 Page 72 The continent of Antarctica is covered with an ice sheet. Which part of the Earth system includes the ice sheet? A. biosphere B. cryosphere C. hydrosphere D. atmosphere

1/9/12 Page 74 Tomas is writing questions to use in a quiz show game that reinforces concepts about the movement of water in the ocean. To which of the following questions would the correct answer be deep current? A. What type of current flows below the ocean’s surface because of differences in density? B. What type of current forms when cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the ocean’s surface? C. What type of current transfers energy when warm water moves into areas of cooler water? D. What type of current is influenced by the Coriolis effect, continental deflection, and surface winds?

1/10/12 Page 74 Living things in the biosphere interact with other parts of the Earth system to exchange energy. Which picture represents the major source of energy for the biosphere? H. H. G. I.

1/11/12 Page 76 Vivian placed an ice cube in a tray of warm water. The following picture shows her investigation. Which statement describes the energy transfer that happens in Vivian’s investigation? A. Energy in the form of heat is transferred from the ice cube to the water by radiation. B. Energy in the form of heat is transferred from the water to the ice cube by radiation. C. Energy in the form of heat is transferred from the ice cube to the water by conduction. D. Energy in the form of heat is transferred from the water to the ice cube by conduction.

1/12/12 Page 76 What causes a convection current to form? A. surface winds B. the Coriolis effect C. differences in density D. continental deflection

1/18/12 Page 78 On a cold morning, Pierre observed that the grass looked wet. The picture below shows what Pierre observed. Which term best describes what Pierre observed? A. dew B. fog C. mist D. rain

1/19/12 Page 78 The arrows on the globe point to different latitudes and longitudes. Which arrow points to the area on Earth you would expect to be coldest based on its latitude? A. R B. S C. T D. W

1/23/12 Page 80 Zuri is a meteorologist. She is using a barometer. What feature of weather is Zuri studying? A. humidity B. wind speed C. temperature D. air pressure

1/24/12 Page 80 Robin is comparing the effects of cold weather on different states. Which of the following is an example of the possible results of cold weather in Florida? A. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may result in hypothermia. B. Roads and structures can collapse, and utility services may be interrupted. C. Strong winds can topple trees, and flash floods can wash away cars, people, and houses. D. Storm surges and heavy rains may cause flooding, and strong winds may destroy structures.

1/25/12 Page 82 Lightning can be very dangerous. It can even cause death if it strikes a person or an animal. What is lightning? A. a type of tornado B. an expansion of air C. a mixture of warm air and cold air D. a sudden discharge of static electricity

1/26/12 Page 82 Imagine that you hear the following weather report: “Florida is sweltering in summerlike heat and humidity ahead of a cold front that promises to bring down polar air from Canada and cool down the state next week.” What is a front? A. a region where there are severe thunderstorms B. an area where a tropical storm is likely to form C. a boundary between two air masses with the same temperature D. a boundary between two air masses with different densities and usually different temperatures

1/30/12 Page 84 Thunderstorms in Florida are commonly accompanied by lightning, hail, high winds, and heavy rains. Which of the following effects is most likely to be caused by lightning? A. flash floods B. sinkholes C. wildfires D. crop damage

1/31/12 Page 84 Mikhail drew a diagram to show how rainwater can be returned to the ocean. His diagram is shown below. What is the correct term for the movement of water from the surface of Earth to the groundwater? A. infiltration B. precipitation C. runoff D. transpiration