Earth and Environmental Science Flashcards

Which factor most directly determines whether a tropical storm becomes a hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean?

Answer: Wind speeds reaching at least 74 mph (119 km/h)

A tropical cyclone is classified as a hurricane when sustained wind speeds reach 74 mph (119 km/h) or greater.

What is the main difference between weather and climate?

Answer: Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions; climate describes long-term patterns

Weather refers to day-to-day atmospheric conditions, while climate describes the average patterns of weather in a region over decades.

Which process forms metamorphic rocks?

Answer: Heat and pressure transforming existing rocks

Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are subjected to intense heat and pressure deep within the crust, changing their mineral structure.

What is an aquifer?

Answer: A layer of permeable rock that holds and transmits groundwater

An aquifer is a permeable underground rock formation that stores and allows water to flow through it, serving as a major freshwater source.

Which of the following best explains why deforestation contributes to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Answer: Trees release stored carbon when burned or decomposed, and fewer trees remain to absorb CO₂

Deforestation releases carbon stored in trees through burning/decay and reduces the forest's capacity to absorb atmospheric CO₂ through photosynthesis.

What do geologists use to determine the absolute age of rocks and fossils?

Answer: Radioactive isotope dating (radiometric dating)

Radiometric dating uses the known decay rates of radioactive isotopes (like carbon-14 or uranium-238) to calculate the actual age of rocks and fossils.

Which type of biome is characterized by the highest biodiversity on Earth?

Answer: Tropical rainforest

Tropical rainforests contain more species per unit area than any other biome, supported by warm temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round.