Earth Science Final Exam Notes

Earth Science Flashcards

How does heat affect density?

Density decreases when heated.

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

An observation is based on your five senses and a measurement, while an inference is based on an observation.

What is the angle of the Earth's axis?

23.5°

When does each of the following get the most direct sunlight: Equator, Tropic of Capricorn, and Tropic of Cancer?

Equator: September 21 and March 21; Tropic of Capricorn: December 21; Tropic of Cancer: June 21.

Why does the apparent daily path of the sun change with the seasons?

Because the Earth's axis is tilted.

What primarily causes ocean tides?

Gravitational attraction between the moon and the Earth.

What two phenomena prove Earth's rotation?

The Foucault pendulum and the Coriolis effect.

When does a planet move the fastest in its orbit?

When it is closest to the sun/star.

What does the red shift of light from distant galaxies prove?

That the universe is expanding.

Where is nuclear fusion happening in the sun?

Inside the sun's interior.

What are key facts about Polaris (the North Star)?

It cannot be seen in the southern hemisphere. It doesn't change unless you change your latitude. It always has north as its coordinate. The altitude of Polaris and latitude have a direct relationship.

How do latitude and longitude lines run, and what parts of Earth do they separate?

Latitude runs west to east and separates the Earth into north and south. Longitude runs north to south and separates the Earth into West and East.

Where do lines of latitude and longitude meet?

Lines of latitude never meet; lines of longitude meet at the North and South Poles.

What are solar time and climate based on?

Solar time is based on longitude and climate is based on latitude.

At the North and South Poles, how does a pendulum swing?

The apparent direction of a pendulum swing would complete a 360° circular pattern in 24 hours.

What are four processes that create sedimentary rock?

Compaction, cementation, burial, and deposition.