3.4.

3 Test (TST): Earth's Water Test

Earth Science Sem 1 Name: Romel Haile
Date:

Answer the following questions thoroughly.

1. Imagine that scientists discover a new planet in our solar system. Here are the
characteristics they measure: (5 points)

• Avg. winter temperatures: 0 – 15ºC • Gravity: 10 m/s2

• Avg. summer temperatures: 25 – 30ºC • Atmosphere? Yes

A. Could water exist on this planet? (2 points)

Yes, water could exist on this planet.

B. Why can or can't water exist? (3 points)

Water could exist on this planet because it has average temperatures within
the range where water can exist in liquid form (0-30ºC). Additionally, the
presence of an atmosphere suggests that the atmospheric pressure may be
suitable for liquid water to exist. The gravity of 10 m/s^2 is comparable to
Earth's gravity, which would likely allow water to behave similarly to how it
does on Earth. Overall, these conditions suggest that water could exist on this
newly discovered planet.

2. Water cycles on Earth, going from one form to another. (10 points)

A. What ultimately fuels the water cycle? (4 points)

The ultimate fuel for the water cycle is solar energy.

B. What are two processes that transfer water into the atmosphere? (2 points)

Two processes that transfer water into the atmosphere are evaporation and
transpiration.

C. What process transfers water to the ground? (2 points)

The process that transfers water to the ground is precipitation.

D. Where does water flow once it reaches the ground? (2 points)

 Once water reaches the ground, it flows along the surface as runoff, or it
infiltrates into the soil to become groundwater.

3. A mug of boiling-hot water sits next to a glass of ice water. (6 points)

A. What happens to the water in each cup? (2 points)

In the mug of boiling-hot water, the water molecules are in the gaseous state,
undergoing boiling. In the glass of ice water, the water molecules are in the
solid state, forming ice.

B. How does the movement of water molecules change in each case? (4

points)

In the mug of boiling-hot water, the movement of water molecules is rapid and
chaotic as they escape into the air due to boiling. In the glass of ice water, the
movement of water molecules is slow and organized within the solid ice
lattice, with minimal movement occurring until the ice begins to melt.

4. What are five ways to help keep groundwater clean? (10 points)

To keep groundwater clean, properly dispose of hazardous materials, practice

responsible agriculture, manage wastewater effectively, prevent littering and
improper waste disposal, and protect groundwater recharge areas.

5. A developer plans to bulldoze a wetland to build a shopping mall. (6 points)

A. How will this affect the water level in the area? (3 points)

Bulldozing a wetland to build a shopping mall can significantly affect the

water level in the area. Wetlands play a crucial role in regulating water flow by
absorbing and slowly releasing water. Removing the wetland can disrupt this
 natural process, potentially leading to changes in local water levels, including
increased risk of flooding during heavy rainfall and reduced water availability
during dry periods.

B. How will this affect the quality of water? (3 points)

The destruction of a wetland to construct a shopping mall can have

detrimental effects on the quality of water in the area. Wetlands act as natural
filters, trapping sediments, nutrients, and pollutants, thereby improving water
quality. Without the wetland's filtering function, pollutants from urban runoff,
such as oil, pesticides, and fertilizers, are more likely to enter nearby water
bodies, leading to degraded water quality, harmful algal blooms, and adverse
impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health.

6. Lakes are composed of different zones, based on the amount of sun and the
forms of life that live in them. (9 points)

A. Draw a lake, and label the four zones. (5 points)

In a typical lake, four distinct zones can be identified based on varying levels
of sunlight penetration and the forms of life that inhabit them. The littoral
zone encompasses the area near the shore, where sunlight reaches the lake
bottom, fostering the growth of aquatic plants and algae. The limnetic zone
extends beyond the littoral zone into open water, where sunlight penetrates
but doesn't reach the lake bed. The profundal zone lies in the deeper, darker
regions of the lake where sunlight cannot reach. Finally, the benthic zone
comprises the lake bottom.

B. What type of food is eaten in each zone? (4 points)

Each zone in a lake sustains unique food webs. In the littoral zone, aquatic
plants and algae serve as primary food sources, with herbivores feeding on
plants and carnivores preying on smaller animals. Moving into the limnetic
zone, phytoplankton and zooplankton form the base of the food chain,
providing sustenance for fish and other aquatic organisms. In the profundal
zone, detritus, organic matter, and sediment are the main food sources,
supporting decomposers and bottom-dwelling organisms. Finally, the benthic
zone relies on detritus and sediment as primary food sources, with benthic
organisms such as insect larvae, snails, and worms feeding on organic matter
within the sediment.
7. There are characteristics that make it easy to determine whether a river is
young or old. (5 points)

A. How does the speed of a young river compare with that of an old river? (1
point)

The speed of a young river is typically faster than that of an old river.

B. How does the speed of a river help determine what type of material the
river carries? (1 point)

The speed of a river influences the type of material it can carry. A fast-moving
river has the capacity to transport larger and heavier sediment particles, such
as gravel and boulders, while a slower-moving river can only carry finer
sediment, such as sand and silt.

C. What are the differences among the number of tributaries of a young river,
a middle-aged river, and an old river? (3 points)

Young rivers tend to have fewer tributaries compared to middle-aged or old

rivers. As a river ages, it accumulates more tributaries through erosion and
the gradual expansion of its drainage basin. Thus, old rivers often exhibit a
denser network of tributaries compared to younger rivers.

8. Waves can affect shorelines through erosion and through the deposition of
sediment. (4 points)

A. What are two structures formed through erosion? (2 points)

 Two structures formed through erosion by waves are sea cliffs and sea
caves.

B. What is one structure formed through the deposition of sediment? (2

points)

One structure formed through the deposition of sediment by waves is a

beach.

9. You are an oceanographer taking measurements to predict whether this year

will be an El Niño, a La Niña, or a normal year. (15 points)

A. What are three instruments you will use? (3 points)

In the endeavor to predict whether the upcoming year will be an El Niño, La

Niña, or a normal year, an oceanographer would employ a variety of
instruments. Among these, the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Buoy stands
prominent, as it diligently measures the temperature of the ocean's surface.
Additionally, an Ocean Current Meter proves indispensable, providing insights
into the speed and direction of ocean currents.

B. What measurements will each of these instruments take? (6 points)

Each of these instruments serves a distinct purpose, capturing crucial

measurements essential for predicting climatic phenomena. The SST Buoy
diligently records the temperature of the ocean's surface, offering insights
into anomalies indicative of El Niño or La Niña events. Simultaneously, the
Ocean Current Meter meticulously tracks the speed and direction of ocean
currents, pivotal for discerning shifts in circulation patterns during such
events.

C. What measurements would you expect to collect during an El Niño year

and a La Niña year? (6 points)
 During an El Niño year, the expected measurements would reflect distinct
anomalies indicative of the phenomenon. Specifically, warmer Sea Surface
Temperatures (SST) would be observed, signaling above-average temperatures in
the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Concurrently, weakened East-to-West Trade Winds
might be detected, potentially disrupting typical oceanic circulation patterns.
Conversely, during a La Niña year, the measurements would diverge, showcasing
cooler SSTs indicative of below-average temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.

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3.4.3 Test (TST): Earth's Water