Earth ScienceEarth Science

8th Grade OAT Review

8th Grade OAT Review

7th 1. Explain the Biogeochemical cycles which move materials between the lithosphere (land),

hydrosphere (water) and atmosphere (air)

7th 1. Explain the Biogeochemical cycles which move materials between the lithosphere (land),

hydrosphere (water) and atmosphere (air)

A. Water is always moving between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface

B. Water can contain minerals, pollutants, and other agents depending on the land, runoff and chemicals in the air

C. The movement of water between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface is called the water cycle Water vapor enters the air by evaporation from the oceans and

other bodies of water Water vapor is also added to the air by living things - this process is

called transpiration Some of the water vapor the atmosphere condenses to form clouds -

this is called condensation Rain and other forms of precipitation fall from the clouds toward

the surface The water then runs off the surface, or moves through the ground,

back into the oceans lakes and streams

A. Water is always moving between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface

B. Water can contain minerals, pollutants, and other agents depending on the land, runoff and chemicals in the air

C. The movement of water between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface is called the water cycle Water vapor enters the air by evaporation from the oceans and

other bodies of water Water vapor is also added to the air by living things - this process is

called transpiration Some of the water vapor the atmosphere condenses to form clouds -

this is called condensation Rain and other forms of precipitation fall from the clouds toward

the surface The water then runs off the surface, or moves through the ground,

back into the oceans lakes and streams

7th 2. Explain the Earth’s capacity to absorb and recycle materials naturally (e.g. smoke, smog, sewage) can change the environmental quality depending on the length of time involved (e.g.

global warming)

7th 2. Explain the Earth’s capacity to absorb and recycle materials naturally (e.g. smoke, smog, sewage) can change the environmental quality depending on the length of time involved (e.g.

global warming) A. Most changes in the world climate are caused by natural factors. In

the last 100 years, however, human activities have also had an effect on Earth’s climate and atmosphere

B. Pollution (smog, smoke, sewage, increased carbon dioxide, etc.) and can produce harmful, possibly long term effects to the Earth.

C. Two of the most important worldwide issues are global warming and thinning of the atmosphere Greenhouse effects is essential to the extent that it is a natural

process that keeps Earth’s atmosphere at a temperature that is comfortable for most living things

Gases that trap solar energy are called greenhouse gases - water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane

Human activities that add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere may be warming Earth’s atmosphere (burning wood, coal, oil and natural gas)

Increased carbon dioxide traps more heat, the result is global warming

A. Most changes in the world climate are caused by natural factors. In the last 100 years, however, human activities have also had an effect on Earth’s climate and atmosphere

B. Pollution (smog, smoke, sewage, increased carbon dioxide, etc.) and can produce harmful, possibly long term effects to the Earth.

C. Two of the most important worldwide issues are global warming and thinning of the atmosphere Greenhouse effects is essential to the extent that it is a natural

process that keeps Earth’s atmosphere at a temperature that is comfortable for most living things

Gases that trap solar energy are called greenhouse gases - water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane

Human activities that add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere may be warming Earth’s atmosphere (burning wood, coal, oil and natural gas)

Increased carbon dioxide traps more heat, the result is global warming

7th 2. Continued7th 2. Continued D. Ozone in the stratosphere filters out much of

the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Chemicals produced by humans have been

damaging the ozone layer The main cause of ozone depletion is a group of

compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) CFC’s are found in spray cans, refrigerators, and air

conditioners and can last for years in the atmosphere and can rise all the way to the stratosphere

CFC’s are broken down by the ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere forming chlorine. The chlorine atoms break the ozone into oxygen atoms

D. Ozone in the stratosphere filters out much of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Chemicals produced by humans have been

damaging the ozone layer The main cause of ozone depletion is a group of

compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) CFC’s are found in spray cans, refrigerators, and air

conditioners and can last for years in the atmosphere and can rise all the way to the stratosphere

CFC’s are broken down by the ultraviolet radiation in the stratosphere forming chlorine. The chlorine atoms break the ozone into oxygen atoms

7th Earth 3. Describe the water cycle and explain the transfer of energy between the

atmosphere and the hydrosphere

7th Earth 3. Describe the water cycle and explain the transfer of energy between the

atmosphere and the hydrosphere A. The movement of water between the atmosphere and the

Earth’s surface is called the water cycle Water vapor enters the air by evaporation from the oceans

and other bodies of water Water vapor is also added to the air b living things - this

process is called transpiration Some of the water vapor the atmosphere condenses to form a

cloud - this process is called condensation Rain and other forms of precipitation fall from the clouds

toward the surface The water then runs off the surface, or moves through the

ground, back into the ocean, lakes and streams Evaporation uses energy (sunlight and heat) Condensation releases energy (thunderstorms/ hurricanes)B. Energy can not be created or destroyed, it is just transferred

from one form to anotherC. Energy from the sun drives the water cycle

A. The movement of water between the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface is called the water cycle Water vapor enters the air by evaporation from the oceans

and other bodies of water Water vapor is also added to the air b living things - this

process is called transpiration Some of the water vapor the atmosphere condenses to form a

cloud - this process is called condensation Rain and other forms of precipitation fall from the clouds

toward the surface The water then runs off the surface, or moves through the

ground, back into the ocean, lakes and streams Evaporation uses energy (sunlight and heat) Condensation releases energy (thunderstorms/ hurricanes)B. Energy can not be created or destroyed, it is just transferred

from one form to anotherC. Energy from the sun drives the water cycle

7th Earth 4. Analyze data on the availability of fresh water that is essential for life and for most industrial and agricultural processes. Describe

how rivers lakes and ground water can be depleted or polluted becoming less hospitable to life and even becoming unavailable or unsuitable

for life

7th Earth 4. Analyze data on the availability of fresh water that is essential for life and for most industrial and agricultural processes. Describe

how rivers lakes and ground water can be depleted or polluted becoming less hospitable to life and even becoming unavailable or unsuitable

for life A. Most of the Earth’s water - more than 97% is salt water, only 3% is fresh water 3/4 of the 3% of fresh water is found in ice masses at the North and

South Pole Less than 1% of the water on Earth is fresh water available for

humans to use. Usable fresh water is only found in lakes and rivers and shallow ground water (aquifers)

B. Water is used for most agricultural processes and in industry On the farms a constant supply of fresh water is essential Some parts of the U.S. do not receive enough annual rainfall to

produce crops therefore irrigation is used Water is a major component used in the manufacturing of most

products in your classroom (e.g., paper, and textbooks) Industries also use water to cool machinery (e.g., power plants and

steel)

A. Most of the Earth’s water - more than 97% is salt water, only 3% is fresh water 3/4 of the 3% of fresh water is found in ice masses at the North and

South Pole Less than 1% of the water on Earth is fresh water available for

humans to use. Usable fresh water is only found in lakes and rivers and shallow ground water (aquifers)

B. Water is used for most agricultural processes and in industry On the farms a constant supply of fresh water is essential Some parts of the U.S. do not receive enough annual rainfall to

produce crops therefore irrigation is used Water is a major component used in the manufacturing of most

products in your classroom (e.g., paper, and textbooks) Industries also use water to cool machinery (e.g., power plants and

steel)

7th Earth 4. Continued7th Earth 4. Continued C. Water Pollution is the addition of any

substance that has a negative effect on water or living things that depend on water Major sources of water pollution are human wastes,

industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals and wastes, runoff from roads

Many kinds of water pollution are so difficult to clean up, the most important place to stop pollution is at the source

Ground water is difficult to clean - pollution can cling to rock particles of the aquifer

D. Droughts and overuse can deplete ground water It takes a long time for surface water to percolate

through the ground and replace the water that was used

C. Water Pollution is the addition of any substance that has a negative effect on water or living things that depend on water Major sources of water pollution are human wastes,

industrial wastes, agricultural chemicals and wastes, runoff from roads

Many kinds of water pollution are so difficult to clean up, the most important place to stop pollution is at the source

Ground water is difficult to clean - pollution can cling to rock particles of the aquifer

D. Droughts and overuse can deplete ground water It takes a long time for surface water to percolate

through the ground and replace the water that was used

7th Earth 5. Make simple weather predictions based on the changing cloud types associated with frontal

systems

7th Earth 5. Make simple weather predictions based on the changing cloud types associated with frontal

systems A. Meteorologists classify clouds into three man types Cumulus - looks like fluffy rounded piles of cotton

Usually indicate fair weather Towering cumulus clouds with flat tops, cumulonimbus (usually

form at cold fronts), often produce thunderstorms Stratus - form in flat layers

Cover all or most of the sky As they thicken may produce drizzle, rain, or snow

(nimbostratus) Cirrus - wispy, feathery clouds

Only form at high levels where temps. Are very low Mostly made of ice crystals Often predict precipitation within 24 hours Usually form at the leading edge of warm fronts Darker clouds contain more moisture

B. Clouds that form near the ground are known as fog Forms after the ground cools at night after a warm humid day

A. Meteorologists classify clouds into three man types Cumulus - looks like fluffy rounded piles of cotton

Usually indicate fair weather Towering cumulus clouds with flat tops, cumulonimbus (usually

form at cold fronts), often produce thunderstorms Stratus - form in flat layers

Cover all or most of the sky As they thicken may produce drizzle, rain, or snow

(nimbostratus) Cirrus - wispy, feathery clouds

Only form at high levels where temps. Are very low Mostly made of ice crystals Often predict precipitation within 24 hours Usually form at the leading edge of warm fronts Darker clouds contain more moisture

B. Clouds that form near the ground are known as fog Forms after the ground cools at night after a warm humid day

7th Earth 5. Continued7th Earth 5. Continued C. front - four types

Cold Front - boundary between a cold air mass and a warm air mass Brings brief storms and cooler weather

Warm Front - boundary between a warm air mass and a cold air mass Usually accompanied by precipitation

Stationary Front - boundary between a warm air mass and cold air mass when no movement occurs Brings long periods of precipitation

Occluded Front - boundary on which a warm front has been overtaken by a cold front Brings precipitation

C. front - four types Cold Front - boundary between a cold air mass and

a warm air mass Brings brief storms and cooler weather

Warm Front - boundary between a warm air mass and a cold air mass Usually accompanied by precipitation

Stationary Front - boundary between a warm air mass and cold air mass when no movement occurs Brings long periods of precipitation

Occluded Front - boundary on which a warm front has been overtaken by a cold front Brings precipitation

7th Earth 6. Determine how weather observations and measurements are combined to produce

weather maps and that data for a specific location at one point in time can be displayed in a

station model

7th Earth 6. Determine how weather observations and measurements are combined to produce

weather maps and that data for a specific location at one point in time can be displayed in a

station model

A. A weather map is a snap shot of conditions over a large area for a particular time period Data is collected from weather

stations all over a large area for a particular time period

Local weather maps provide data for a specific locations and elements of weather

A. A weather map is a snap shot of conditions over a large area for a particular time period Data is collected from weather

stations all over a large area for a particular time period

Local weather maps provide data for a specific locations and elements of weather

7th Earth 7. Read a weather map to interpret local, regional, and national

weather

7th Earth 7. Read a weather map to interpret local, regional, and national

weather A. A weather map is a snap shot of conditions

over a large area for a particular time period B. On some weather maps you see curved lines

Lines that connect places on the map that have the same air pressure are called isobars Air pressure readings are given in inches of mercury, or in

millibars, or both Isotherms are lines joining places that have the

same temperature These are labeled with temperature in degrees Fahrenheit,

degrees Celcius, or both

C. Standard symbols on weather maps show fronts, areas of high and low pressure, types of precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, and temperatures

A. A weather map is a snap shot of conditions over a large area for a particular time period

B. On some weather maps you see curved lines Lines that connect places on the map that have the

same air pressure are called isobars Air pressure readings are given in inches of mercury, or in

millibars, or both Isotherms are lines joining places that have the

same temperature These are labeled with temperature in degrees Fahrenheit,

degrees Celcius, or both

C. Standard symbols on weather maps show fronts, areas of high and low pressure, types of precipitation, wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, and temperatures

7th Earth 8. Describe how temperature and precipitation determine climatic zones (biomes) (e.g. desert, grassland, forest,

tundra, alpine)

7th Earth 8. Describe how temperature and precipitation determine climatic zones (biomes) (e.g. desert, grassland, forest,

tundra, alpine) A. Climate zones are geographic areas that cover major parts of the

earth and share similar climates (temperature and precipitation) B. The major terrestrial (land) biomes are desert, grassland, forests,

tundra and apline Not all scientists agree on the number and names of the biomes Desert -receive less than 25cm of rainfall per year

The amount of evaporation is greater than the precipitation Temperature in the desert varies depending on the time of day Some deserts experience freezing temperatures in the winter

Grasslands - receive between 25cm to 75cm of rainfal annually This is more rainfall than a desert but still not enough for many

trees to grow A savanna is a grassland located close to the equator that

receives as much as 120cm of rainfall annually

A. Climate zones are geographic areas that cover major parts of the earth and share similar climates (temperature and precipitation)

B. The major terrestrial (land) biomes are desert, grassland, forests, tundra and apline Not all scientists agree on the number and names of the biomes Desert -receive less than 25cm of rainfall per year

The amount of evaporation is greater than the precipitation Temperature in the desert varies depending on the time of day Some deserts experience freezing temperatures in the winter

Grasslands - receive between 25cm to 75cm of rainfal annually This is more rainfall than a desert but still not enough for many

trees to grow A savanna is a grassland located close to the equator that

receives as much as 120cm of rainfall annually

7th Earth 8. Continued7th Earth 8. Continued Forests - three kinds of forest biomes include rain forest, deciduous,

and coniferous Rain forests

Tropical rain forest - receives 212cm of rainfall annually Warm temperatures do not vary and sunlight is fairly constant

Temperate rain forest - receives over 300cm of rainfall per annually

Temperature is moderate to cool Deciduous forest - receive at least 50cm of rainfall annually

Temperatures vary (spring, summer, fall, winter) Coniferous forest - receive large amounts of snowfall

Colder climate - winters are very cold Tundra - receives 25cm or less of rain or snow annually

Receives the least amount of sunlight of any of the biomes Alpine - include mountain ranges and land that is covered with thick

sheets of ice Very cold temperatures, precipitation as snow (e.g. peaks of mountains)

Forests - three kinds of forest biomes include rain forest, deciduous, and coniferous Rain forests

Tropical rain forest - receives 212cm of rainfall annually Warm temperatures do not vary and sunlight is fairly constant

Temperate rain forest - receives over 300cm of rainfall per annually

Temperature is moderate to cool Deciduous forest - receive at least 50cm of rainfall annually

Temperatures vary (spring, summer, fall, winter) Coniferous forest - receive large amounts of snowfall

Colder climate - winters are very cold Tundra - receives 25cm or less of rain or snow annually

Receives the least amount of sunlight of any of the biomes Alpine - include mountain ranges and land that is covered with thick

sheets of ice Very cold temperatures, precipitation as snow (e.g. peaks of mountains)

7th Earth 9. Describe the connection between the water cycle and weather related phenomenon (e.g. tornadoes,

droughts, floods, hurricanes)

7th Earth 9. Describe the connection between the water cycle and weather related phenomenon (e.g. tornadoes,

droughts, floods, hurricanes) A. A storm (e.g. tornadoes, hurricanes) is a violent disturbance in the atmosphere that can disrupt the water cycle A tornado forms in a cumulonimbus cloud (same cloud

as thunderstorms) Occurs in spring in summer due to the humid

(evaporation) warm air masses coming from the south A hurricane receives energy from warm humid air at

the ocean surfaceAs air rises it forms clouds and thus more air is drawn

into the system Inside the storm are bands of heavy rains

B. Long period of unusually low precipitation are known as a drought

A. A storm (e.g. tornadoes, hurricanes) is a violent disturbance in the atmosphere that can disrupt the water cycle A tornado forms in a cumulonimbus cloud (same cloud

as thunderstorms) Occurs in spring in summer due to the humid

(evaporation) warm air masses coming from the south A hurricane receives energy from warm humid air at

the ocean surfaceAs air rises it forms clouds and thus more air is drawn

into the system Inside the storm are bands of heavy rains

B. Long period of unusually low precipitation are known as a drought

7th Earth 9. Continued7th Earth 9. Continued

C. Floods occur when so much water pours into a stream or river that it overflows its banks and covers the land on either side of the channel Flash flood is a sudden, violent flood

that occurs within a few hours, or even minutes of a storm

C. Floods occur when so much water pours into a stream or river that it overflows its banks and covers the land on either side of the channel Flash flood is a sudden, violent flood

that occurs within a few hours, or even minutes of a storm