Earth Science | Hagen | Semester 1
FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
FINAL EXAM DATE: ______REVIEW SESSION: ______
Standard 1A
What is the composition of earth’s atmosphere and how does it lend itself to life on earth?
ü Know the various gases that makeup the atmosphere and in what amounts.
ü Be able to communicate the importance of each of these gases/environmental role
What Earth processes move carbon? What are primary sources of carbon sinks?
ü Be able to draw the carbon cycle paying special attention to various producers of CO2 and sinks (holds) of CO2 within the biosphere and atmosphere. Describe specifically how CO2 moves/cycles from place.
Explain the greenhouse effect. How does CO2 play a role in this phenomenon?
ü Explain what the greenhouse effect is and how an increase of greenhouse gases leads to climate change.
Standard 1B
How do seasonal/temporal changes affect the rate of CO2 absorbed? How does the angle of the earth affect the amount of sunlight reaching the earth’s surface?
ü Draw and label the earth, sun, axis of rotation, northern/southern hemisphere, degree of tilt and equator during the N. hemisphere’s summer/winter
ü What causes the seasons?
ü How are the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere affected by plant photosynthesis?
ü What times of the year are CO2 levels at their highest? Lowest? Why?
How do thermocline circulation patterns and tradewinds affect global surface temperature? How is the global ocean temperature affected by climate change?
ü Draw and explain the Walker Cell phenomena.
o Pressure | Upwelling | Thermocline | Tradewinds |
ü What is el nino? What is el nino’s affect on ocean temperatures?
ü How does climate change affect the intensity and frequency of el nino?
How does climate change affect sea levels, glaciers, and ice caps?
ü What is a glacier? Why are glaciers melting? At what rate? What are the consequences?
Standard 2 What drives population growth?
ü Sketch the following population growth model graphs, complete with labeled axis. Make observations about the graphical data and draw inferences about the society as a whole (education, medical access, and quality food/water). Negative | Slow | Rapid | Zero
ü Explain exponential growth and give an example using human populations last century.
Explain how a population’s carrying capacity is affected by various resources.
ü Explain Carrying Capacity; draw a simple population graph and label carrying capacity.
ü Explain Limiting Resources; brainstorm limiting resources in regards to population.
ü What % of our world’s water supply is actually available for immediate use and consumption? What % of water is available in oceans, groundwater, and polar ice?
ü Using water as an example of a limiting resource, in which ways to we use various amounts of water during our day (be specific)?
What variables affect an ecological footprint? What are ways to reduce the footprint?
ü Explain “ecological footprint”, and explain various components of a footprint.
Standard 3 What are the impacts of unsustainable human activities on the environment?
ü What are the differences between renewable, non-renewable and potentially renewable resources? Give examples of each.
WATER POLLUTION:
ü Explain the water cycle and overall global water distribution %
ü Define Watersheds, Aquifers, and Groundwater
ü Explain the differences between Point sources and Non-point sources of water pollution. Be able to give examples and explain the environmental impacts of each type.
ü What is Eutrophication? Mitigation strategies?
ü Explain how acid rain occurs? How is it measured? What are the environmental effects of acid rain? Mitigation for acid rain? (be specific) How is acid rain a combination of water AND air pollution?
AIR POLLUTION:
ü What are the major sources of air pollution?
ü What are the environmental effects of air pollution?
ü What are the effects of air pollution on wildlife biodiversity, respiratory issues, smog, acid rain, and climate change?
ü What are the mitigations strategies outlined to combat air pollution?
LAND POLLUTION
ü What are the 4 main sources of land pollution?
ü How many tons of wastes are produced each year? What are the consequences to improperly disposing of these waste products?
ü What are the 4 major components of soil?
ü Which variables determine a soil’s profile?
ü How is soil critical to the existence of life on earth?