White smoker chimneys at hydrothermal vents are different from black smoker chimneys because:

White smoker chimneys at hydrothermal vents are different from black smoker chimneys because:

a. White smokers form further away from the main spreading axis where the circulating water is cooler
b. All of the above
c. The circulation at white smokers causes the black minerals in the water to precipitate into the crust before the fluid is emitted from the chimney
d. The hydrothermal fluid emitted from white smokers does not contain black metal sulfides




Answer: B

The disk-shaped cloud that formed our solar system is called the solar nebula because:

The disk-shaped cloud that formed our solar system is called the solar nebula because:

a. it is whirled around by solar wind.
b. the concentrated mass near the center eventually forms into the Sun.
c. None of the above is correct.
d. the spinning disk was infinitely brighter than the rest of the solar system.



Answer: B

The preferred theory of the origin of the universe is:

The preferred theory of the origin of the universe is:

a. that it formed incrementally over billions of years.
b. that it was an explosive origin from a single incredibly dense point.
c. that it came together by gravity from a huge nebula.
d. that it has always existed in present form.



Answer: B

According to presently preferred theory, the universe:

According to presently preferred theory, the universe:

a. is currently contracting, eventually into a huge black hole.
b. has always been the same size as now.
c. is still expanding in size.
d. There is no way to tell what is happening to the size of the universe



Answer: C

Which of the following statements about the Moon is correct?

Which of the following statements about the Moon is correct?

a. The Moon formed from the debris of a giant bolide that impacted Earth.
b. The Moon is a small planet that was captured by Earth's gravitational field.
c. Early Earth split into two parts, the Moon being the smaller.
d. The Moon formed from material ejected from Earth by large volcanic eruptions.



Answer: A

During differentiation of Earth, which chemical element concentrated in the center of the Earth?

During differentiation of Earth, which chemical element concentrated in the center of the Earth?

a. silicon
b. iron
c. lead
d. oxygen

Answer: B

Ancient microbial mats preserved in the rock record are called:

Ancient microbial mats preserved in the rock record are called:

a. red tide.
b. microbial lamina.
c. globules.
d. stromatolites.



Answer: D

Big Bang theory refers to the:

Big Bang theory refers to the:

a. collision that broke up a planet between Mars and Jupiter.
b. origin of the universe.
c. collision that formed Earth's Moon.
d. end of the universe.



Answer: B

Which of the following types of meteorites have a composition most similar to the Earth's core and mantle?

Which of the following types of meteorites have a composition most similar to the Earth's core and mantle?

a. Stony meteorites
b. Stony-iron meteorites
c. Iron meteorites
d. Carbonaceous chondrites




Answer: B

First evidence of photosynthesis coincides with:

First evidence of photosynthesis coincides with:

a. first land animals.
b. initial rise of oxygen in atmosphere.
c. first oceans.
d. first fish.



Answer: B

Milankovitch cycles refer to periodic variations in:

Milankovitch cycles refer to periodic variations in:

a. mountain building over time.

b. Earth's movement around the Sun.

c. subduction rates.

d. output of energy from the Sun.



Answer: B

The CCD stands for:

The CCD stands for:

a. the calcium carbonate depth

b. the calcium carbonate dissolution

c. the carbonate compensation depth

d. the calcified carbon dioxide


Answer: C

In ocean circulation patterns, water leaving the equator and moving north is saltier due to:

In ocean circulation patterns, water leaving the equator and moving north is saltier due to:

a. evaporation.

b. both B and C.

c. precipitation increase.

d. high density.



Answer: A

Areas near the equator are warmer than areas near the poles because:

Areas near the equator are warmer than areas near the poles because:

a. they receive more direct and concentrated sunlight.

b. both A and C.

c. they receive less sunlight per day.

d. they receive more sunlight per day.



Answer: A

The CCD refers to:

The CCD refers to:

a. the depth below which calcium carbonate can be deposited

b. the depth where carbonate dissolution begins

c. the depth where carbonate dissolves faster than can be deposited

d. the dissolution of carbon dioxide in water



Answer: C

Variations in Earth's orbit and rotation cause:

Variations in Earth's orbit and rotation cause:

a. consistently higher global temperatures.

b. consistently lower global temperatures.

c. no change in solar energy reaching Earth.

d. changes in solar energy reaching Earth.


Answer: D

Red Clays are deep sea sediments that are derived from:

Red Clays are deep sea sediments that are derived from:

a. terrestrial wind blown dust

b. accumulation of foraminifera shells

c. precipitation of crusts on the seafloor

d. breakdown of marine organisms



Answer: A

How does snow cover affect the temperature of an area compared to an area of the same temperature with exposed rock?

How does snow cover affect the temperature of an area compared to an area of the same temperature with exposed rock?

a. Lower albedo of snow absorbs more energy, warming faster.

b. Albedo of snow has no effect on warming.

c. Higher albedo of snow reflects more energy, warming more slowly.

d. Higher albedo of snow absorbs more energy, warming faster.



Answer: C

Changes in obliquity can affect Earth's climate by

Changes in obliquity can affect Earth's climate by

a. Changing the angle of incidence of solar radiation

b. Changing the distance between the Earth and the Sun

c. Changing the shape of the Earth's orbit

d. Changing the rotation of the Earth's axis



Answer: A

Themohaline circulation describes the:

Themohaline circulation describes the:

a. fluctuation of plant life in the ocean basins.

b. pattern of warm shallow currents and cool deep currents caused by density differences in the ocean.

c. influx of sodium into the ocean basins due to weathering of rocks at the Earth's surface.

d. ocean currents generated by winds.



Answer: B