Unit 4: Factors Impacting Earth’s Systems Test Review
1. Match the following vocabulary with their definition.
A.
_C_ Weathering
B.
_A__ Erosion
_D_ Deposition
C.
_E_ Mechanical/Physical Weathering
D.
_B_ Chemical Weathering
E.
movement of sediments
weathering that changes the composition of
the rock, creates a new substance like rusting
breaking of rock into smaller sediments
dropping off of sediments in a new location
weathering that keeps the same composition,
only changes size
2. Classify the following as mechanical weathering (MW), chemical weathering (CW), erosion (E), or
deposition (D).
Carbonic acid _CW_
Ice wedging _MW_
Plant roots _MW_
Wind _E_
Sand Dunes _D__
Abrasion _MW_
Enchanted Rock _MW
Water _E_
River Delta _D_
Gravity _E_
Oxidation _CW_
River Canyon _MW&E_
3. Rivers when they first begin are almost completely straight. Over time rivers develop more curves and
bends. Explain why this happens. _The moving water erodes the banks of the river. As the river curves
it slows down. The slowing down of the river causes deposition. The dropped sediments build up,
causing the river to curve even more._____________________________________________
4. Vegetation helps to slow erosion. Explain 2 ways trees could slow erosion.
Vegetation / plant roots hold the soil in place; this reduces erosion by runoff.
Trees trunks at the edge of a forest slows the wind by blocking it.
5. Texas has a variety of ecoregions, each environment is changed by weathering, erosion, and deposition
differently. Identify which ecoregion is most likely effected by the given WED event.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
Most wind erosion ___Big Bend Country__
Enchanted Rock __Hill Country__________
River canyon ___Panhandle Plains__________
Wave erosion ___Gulf Coast__________
Sand dunes ___ Big Bend Country _________
Limestone Caves ___ Hill Country _________
Least wind erosion ____Piney Woods_______
River deltas _____ Gulf Coast ___________
6. What could an animal do to survive a catastrophic event? An animal could move to a new area to
search for food (migrate), new food source, shelter.
7. Describe how an ecosystem would be affected by a volcanic eruption that produced a cloud of ash that
lasted for six months. The extended period without sunlight would decrease the temperature, which
some plants/animals may not be able to withstand. Also the plants would not be able to go through
photosynthesis. If plants die, this could lead to animals dying.
8. How will the salinity of an estuary be impacted by a flood up stream? The salinity will decrease
9. Some catastrophic events can trigger other catastrophic events to occur. Explain 2 events that a
hurricane could trigger. A hurricane has a lot or rainfall. Huge amounts of rain could cause a flood. As
the soil is loosened by the water it could cause mud or landslides.
10. What is needed for a hurricane to form? Warm ocean
11. Label watershed, surface water, ground water, and water table.
watershed
Surface
Water
Ground
Water
Water
Table
12. Ground water levels do not stay constant. Explain 2 things the effect the amount of ground water
available, one that increases and one that decreases the amount of ground water available.
Increase ground water: rainfall
Decreases ground water: drought, high temperature, large population using water wells
13. How would runoff from city streets effect a nearby lake? Decrease water quality with pollution, that
kills off fish
14. Explain 2 positive human activities that could affect surface/ground water in a watershed.
Humans can turn off the water when they are brushing their teeth
Take shorter showers
Water their lawns early or late to conserve the ground water supply
Humans can throw their trash away so litter does not pollute the surface water
15. Explain 2 negative human activities that could affect surface/ground water in a watershed.
Pesticides/insecticides/fertilizers can pollute water when carried by runoff
Oil poured directly on the ground will contaminate ground water
16. Define and give an example of point and non-point pollution.
Point pollution – identifiable source; a pipe from a factory with oil coming out of it
Non-point pollution – the source cannot be identified; acid rain runoff