Unit 4

• What geological changes occur at convergent plate boundaries?

  Creation of mountains, island arcs, earthquakes, and volcanoes
• What geological events can occur at divergent plate boundaries?

  Seafloor spreading, rift valleys, volcanoes, and earthquakes
• What is the primary geological event associated with transform plate boundaries?

  Earthquakes
• How can maps showing plate boundaries be useful?

  They can determine the location of volcanoes, island arcs, earthquakes, hot spots, and faults

  
• What triggers an earthquake?

  An earthquake occurs when stress overcomes a locked fault, releasing stored energy
• How are soils formed?

  Soils are formed when parent material is weathered, transported, and deposited
• How are soils categorized?

  Soils are categorized by horizons based on their composition and organic material
• What can erode soils?

  Soils can be eroded by winds or water
• Why is protecting soils important?

  Protecting soils can protect water quality as soils effectively filter and clean water
• What does water holding capacity refer to?

  The total amount of water soil can hold
• How does particle size affect soil properties?

  The particle size and composition of each soil horizon can affect porosity, permeability, and fertility
• What are some properties of soil that can be tested?

  pH, amount of nitrate, amount of phosphate
• What is a soil texture triangle?

  A diagram that allows for the identification and comparison of soil types based on their percentage of clay, silt, and sand

  
• What is the composition of loam soil?

  40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay
• What are the major gases in the Earth's atmosphere?

  Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (20%), Carbon dioxide (0.035%)
• How are the layers of the atmosphere determined?

  The layers are based on temperature gradients
• What is the primary cause of global wind patterns?

  Intense solar radiation arriving at the equator
• What is the Coriolis effect?

  The Coriolis effect is the result of Earth's rotation affecting wind patterns
• What are the characteristics of a watershed?

  Area, length, slope, soil, vegetation types, and divides with adjoining watersheds
• How does solar radiation affect the Earth's surface?

  Incoming solar radiation is the main source of energy and varies by season and latitude
• What determines the intensity of solar radiation received at the Earth's surface?

  The angle of the sun’s rays
• Where does the highest solar radiation per unit area occur?

  At the equator
• How does the tilt of Earth's axis affect seasons?

  The tilt causes the Earth’s seasons and the number of hours of daylight
• What geographic factors affect weather and climate?

  Geologic and geographic factors, such as mountains and ocean temperature
• What is a rain shadow?

  A region of land that has become drier because a higher elevation area blocks precipitation
• What are El Niño and La Niña associated with?

  Changing ocean surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean

  
• How do El Niño and La Niña affect global patterns?

  They can cause global changes to rainfall, wind, and ocean circulation patterns

  
• What influences El Niño and La Niña events?

  Geological and geographic factors
• What are the processes involved in soil formation?

  • Weathering of parent material
  • Transportation of materials
  • Deposition of materials
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of different soil types based on their properties?

  Strengths:

  • Varying water holding capacities
  • Different fertility levels

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Some soils may erode easily
  • Others may have poor drainage
• What are the layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics?

  • Troposphere: Weather occurs
  • Stratosphere: Contains ozone layer
  • Mesosphere: Meteors burn up
  • Thermosphere: Auroras occur
  • Exosphere: Outermost layer
• How does the Earth's tilt affect solar radiation and seasons?

  • Tilt affects the angle of sunlight
  • Results in varying intensity of solar radiation
  • Causes seasonal changes in temperature and daylight hours
• What are the effects of El Niño and La Niña on global weather patterns?

  • Changes in rainfall distribution
  • Altered wind patterns
  • Impact on ocean circulation

  
• In the example of a valley surrounded by hills, what is the role of the hills?

  The hills collect rainwater that flows down into the valley, forming a watershed.
• What is a watershed?


  A watershed is an area of land that drains water to a common outlet.
• What role do watersheds play in water filtration?


  Watersheds naturally filter water as it moves through soil and vegetation.
• How do watersheds help with flood control?


  Watersheds help manage the flow of water, potentially reducing flood risks.
• How do watersheds support ecosystems?


  Watersheds provide diverse habitats for plants and animals.
• What is the "Tragedy of the Commons"?

  A concept where a public resource is overused due to individuals forgetting its limited existence.
• How does the "Tragedy of the Commons" manifest in fishing practices?

  Villagers fish daily without considering the need for fish to repopulate.