Processes Shaping Planet Earth
Jarrett Book (Orange)
Directions: Read the pages listed for each part below and complete the questions on a separate
sheet of paper using what you have read. Answers should be in complete thoughts or sentences.
This is due at the end of class or you must attend tutorials on Monday.
PART 1: (p. 85-87)
1. Read the important ideas and summarize the four spheres of the Earth below:
a. Lithosphere
b. Hydrosphere
c. Atmosphere
d. Biosphere
2. What are the four layers of the Earth’s lithosphere? List and describe each in one
sentence.
3. What is the “plate tectonic” theory?
4. Describe how plate tectonic movement occurs and the process of convection.
5. How does gravity play a part in tectonic plate movement?
PART 2: (p. 88-91)
1. What analogy does the author use to describe tectonic plate movement?
2. Two land plates are called ____________________________
___________________________.
3. Describe the tectonic movement occurring at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.
4. What is a rift valley?
5. How are an earthquake and tsunami related?
6. Explain how a volcanic eruption occurs.
7. Where and what is the “Ring of Fire”?
8. What is the difference between weather and erosion?
9. Describe the effects of soil deposition and soil quality.
10. Define these words: mountains, plateau, valleys, and canyon.
PART 3: (p. 94-95)
1. What is precipitation?
2. What are the four steps of the water cycle?
3. Describe each process and how the water cycle works.
4. Compare and contrast high and low tides.
5. What function do the ocean currents play in shaping planet Earth?
PART 4: (p. 96-97)
1. Where is the atmosphere?
2. Describe why weather is affected by latitude.
3. What is a vertical climate?
4. How are monsoons and wind related?
5. Why does the earth have seasons?
6. Define each of these climate zones below: high-latitude climates, mid-latitude climates,
and low-latitude climates.
PART 5: (p. 99-100)
1. What is the biosphere?
2. What is a deciduous forest?
3. Describe what occurs in a tropical rainforest?
4. What is the difference between a grassland and savanna?
5. How do deserts impact the biosphere?
6. What is the tundra?
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