AP Environmental Science Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources Practice Exam

Assessment for Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Estimated Time: 60 minutes

Exam Details

Questions: 25 total (25 multiple choice)
Time: 60 minutes (recommended)
Topics Covered: Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources
Format: Multiple Choice questions matching real exam difficulty
Scoring: Instant results with detailed explanations

A. Multiple-Choice Questions (25 Questions)

Select the one best answer for each question.

Refer to the figure below.

1. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.1] A geoscientist is analyzing a world map showing tectonic plate boundaries and recent geologic hazards. [Image Cue]: World map, "Global Plate Boundaries and Hazards". Map shows (1) a linear plate boundary along the west coast of North America labeled "Boundary X" with many earthquake symbols but few/no volcano symbols; (2) a curved chain of volcano symbols and frequent earthquake symbols parallel to the west coast of South America; (3) an isolated cluster of volcano symbols in the middle of the Pacific Ocean far from any plate boundary. Which statement correctly matches the features on the map to the most likely tectonic setting?

(A)Boundary X is a transform boundary; the South American volcanic chain indicates a convergent boundary; the isolated Pacific volcano cluster indicates a hot spot.(B)Boundary X is a divergent boundary; the South American volcanic chain indicates a transform boundary; the isolated Pacific volcano cluster indicates a convergent boundary.(C)Boundary X is a convergent boundary; the South American volcanic chain indicates a divergent boundary; the isolated Pacific volcano cluster indicates a transform boundary.(D)Boundary X is a transform boundary; the South American volcanic chain indicates a divergent boundary; the isolated Pacific volcano cluster indicates a hot spot.

2. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 4.1] Students collected seafloor data along a transect perpendicular to an underwater ridge. The table shows the age of basaltic ocean crust at different distances from the ridge crest. Distance from ridge crest (km): 0, 100, 200, 300 Age of ocean crust (million years): 0, 8, 16, 24 Which conclusion is best supported by the data?

(A)The ridge is at a convergent boundary where older crust is pushed upward to form mountains.(B)The ridge is at a divergent boundary where new crust forms and moves away on both sides (seafloor spreading).(C)The ridge is at a transform boundary where crust is neither created nor destroyed but ages increase due to frictional heating.(D)The ridge is a hot spot where crustal age remains constant with distance from the ridge.

3. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.1] A city is located near a major fault. Over several years, GPS measurements show the ground on opposite sides of the fault slowly deforming, but the fault does not slip. Then, in a few seconds, the fault suddenly slips several meters, producing strong shaking. Which statement best explains the cause of the earthquake?

(A)Stress built up as the plates moved, and when the stress exceeded the friction holding the locked fault, stored energy was released as seismic waves.(B)Magma rose through the fault, increasing pressure until it erupted and caused the ground to shake.(C)Sea-floor spreading at a nearby ridge forced the fault to open, creating new crust and triggering the earthquake.(D)The earthquake occurred because the plates stopped moving briefly, causing the crust to cool and contract rapidly.

4. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 4.2] A scientist is comparing two soils in the same climate. Site 1 is located on a steep mountain slope where exposed bedrock is frequently fractured by freeze-thaw cycles. Site 2 is located on a nearby river floodplain where the river deposits new layers of silt and clay during seasonal flooding. Which statement best explains how parent material contributes to soil formation at both sites?

(A)At Site 1 and Site 2, soil forms primarily when existing soil is compacted into rock by pressure.(B)At Site 1, soil forms mainly from weathering of local bedrock; at Site 2, soil forms mainly from transported and deposited sediment.(C)At Site 1, soil forms mainly from deposition of airborne dust; at Site 2, soil forms mainly from chemical weathering of the underlying bedrock only.(D)At Site 1 and Site 2, soil forms primarily from the decomposition of organic matter without mineral input.

Refer to the figure below.

5. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 4.2] A student examines a mature soil profile and records the observations shown. [Image Cue]: Diagram, "Mature Soil Profile", labeled horizons from top to bottom (O, A, B, C). Notes on the diagram: O horizon = leaf litter/partly decomposed material; A horizon = dark topsoil with many roots; B horizon = reddish-brown zone of accumulation with more clay; C horizon = partially weathered parent material with rock fragments. Based on the diagram, which horizon is most likely to have the highest percentage of organic matter and the greatest biological activity?

(A)O horizon(B)B horizon(C)C horizon(D)Unweathered bedrock below the C horizon

Refer to the figure below.

6. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 4.2] A watershed manager compares runoff from two adjacent cornfields after a heavy rainfall. Field X is conventionally tilled and left bare between growing seasons. Field Y uses no-till farming and a winter cover crop. [Image Cue]: Table, "Runoff Water Quality After Rainstorm", with columns (Field, Suspended Sediment (mg/L), Total Phosphorus (mg/L)). Data: Field X = 320 mg/L sediment, 0.42 mg/L phosphorus; Field Y = 85 mg/L sediment, 0.14 mg/L phosphorus. Which choice best explains the difference in runoff water quality between the fields?

(A)No-till and cover crops increase soil cohesion and reduce erosion, lowering sediment and particle-bound nutrient transport to nearby waters.(B)No-till and cover crops increase chemical weathering rates, which removes phosphorus from runoff by converting it to a gas.(C)Conventional tilling increases infiltration so less water runs off, which raises measured sediment concentration in runoff.(D)Conventional tilling prevents wind erosion only, so it has little effect on suspended sediment in rain-driven runoff.

Refer to the figure below.

7. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 4.3] A student analyzes a soil sample and finds it contains 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Using the soil texture triangle, which soil texture class best matches the sample, and what is the most accurate implication for water holding capacity compared with a sandy soil?

(A)Sandy loam; it will have a lower water holding capacity than sandy soil because it contains more silt and clay(B)Loam; it will have a higher water holding capacity than sandy soil because it contains more silt and clay(C)Silty clay; it will have a higher water holding capacity than sandy soil because it contains mostly clay(D)Clay; it will have a lower water holding capacity than sandy soil because clay has low permeability

8. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 4.3] A soil pit is dug in an agricultural field. Measurements from two horizons are shown below. Horizon A: 55% sand, 35% silt, 10% clay; organic matter is high. Horizon B: 30% sand, 35% silt, 35% clay; organic matter is low. Which statement best compares how these horizons will differ in porosity/permeability and explains why?

(A)Horizon B will likely have higher permeability because clay creates larger pore spaces that allow water to move quickly downward(B)Horizon A will likely have higher permeability because larger particle sizes are associated with larger pore spaces and faster water movement(C)Horizon A will likely have lower porosity because organic matter reduces pore space by filling gaps between particles(D)Both horizons will have identical permeability because permeability depends only on slope, not on particle size or composition

9. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 4.3] A farmer wants to decide whether a field needs changes to irrigation and fertilization practices. The farmer collects the following soil test results. Soil pH: 5.2 Soil nitrate (NO_3^-): low Infiltration test: slow infiltration rate Soil respiration test (CO_2 production): high Which management choice is most supported by the test results and most directly addresses irrigation and fertilizer needs?

(A)Apply nitrogen-containing fertilizer and switch to a low-volume irrigation method (e.g., drip irrigation) to reduce runoff from slow infiltration(B)Avoid any fertilizer because high soil respiration indicates excessive nutrients and use flood irrigation to compensate for slow infiltration(C)Apply only phosphorus fertilizer because low nitrate indicates nitrogen is already sufficient and increase irrigation frequency using sprinklers(D)Stop adding organic inputs because high soil respiration indicates poor biological health, and increase tillage to speed infiltration

10. [Skill: 4.A | Topic: 4.4] A student finds a reference table listing the approximate composition of Earth’s dry atmosphere near sea level. | Gas | Approximate percent by volume | |---|---| | Nitrogen ($N_2$) | 78% | | Oxygen ($O_2$) | 21% | | Argon (Ar) | 0.93% | | Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) | 0.04% | Based on the table, which statement correctly identifies the most abundant gas in Earth’s atmosphere and its approximate percent?

(A)Oxygen ($O_2$) is the most abundant gas at about 21%.(B)Nitrogen ($N_2$) is the most abundant gas at about 78%.(C)Argon (Ar) is the most abundant gas at about 0.93%.(D)Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) is the most abundant gas at about 0.04%.

Refer to the figure below.

11. [Skill: 2.A | Topic: 4.4] The graph below shows how air temperature changes with altitude through the lower and middle atmosphere. [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Temperature vs. Altitude in the Atmosphere"; x-axis = Temperature (°C), y-axis = Altitude (km) from 0 to 80 km. Trend: temperature decreases from 0–12 km, increases from 12–50 km, decreases from 50–80 km. Mark approximate boundaries near 12 km and 50 km. Which atmospheric layer is best identified by the region from about 12 km to 50 km where temperature increases with increasing altitude?

(A)Troposphere(B)Stratosphere(C)Mesosphere(D)Thermosphere

12. [Skill: 1.A | Topic: 4.4] A weather balloon records that air temperature decreases from the surface to about 10 km altitude, then begins to increase from about 10 km to 45 km altitude. Which conclusion best identifies the atmospheric layer from 10 km to 45 km and the basis for its boundary with the layer below?

(A)The layer is the troposphere; the boundary occurs where $CO_2$ becomes more abundant and warms the air.(B)The layer is the stratosphere; the boundary occurs because the temperature gradient changes sign (from decreasing with altitude to increasing with altitude).(C)The layer is the mesosphere; the boundary occurs because air pressure stops decreasing with altitude.(D)The layer is the thermosphere; the boundary occurs because nitrogen becomes the dominant atmospheric gas.

Refer to the figure below.

13. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.5] [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Average Annual Precipitation vs. Latitude", x-axis: Latitude (90°S to 90°N), y-axis: Average annual precipitation (cm). Key trends: high precipitation peak near 0° (equator), low precipitation near 30°N and 30°S, secondary precipitation peaks near 60°N and 60°S. Based on the graph, which of the following best explains why many regions near 30°N and 30°S have low average annual precipitation?

(A)Air rises near 30° latitude, cools, and releases large amounts of precipitation year-round.(B)Air descends near 30° latitude, warms adiabatically, and inhibits cloud formation and precipitation.(C)The Coriolis effect causes air at 30° latitude to rise rapidly, increasing condensation and rainfall.(D)Cold, dense air at 30° latitude sinks because solar radiation is most intense at the poles.

Refer to the figure below.

14. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.5] [Image Cue]: Diagram, "Surface Wind Deflection in the Northern Hemisphere", showing air parcel starting at 30°N and moving toward 0° (equator) at the surface; include Earth’s rotation arrow (west-to-east). Indicate the expected curved path due to Coriolis. An air mass at the surface begins moving from a subtropical high-pressure belt near 30°N toward the equatorial low-pressure zone. Which of the following best describes the direction the wind will be deflected and the resulting prevailing wind pattern?

(A)Deflected to the left; producing the southeast trade winds(B)Deflected to the right; producing the northeast trade winds(C)Deflected to the right; producing the westerlies(D)Not deflected; producing winds that flow straight south toward the equator

15. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 4.5] A student collects observations of typical surface wind directions at different latitudes. [Image Cue]: Table, "Typical Surface Wind Directions by Latitude", with rows: (1) 0°–30°N: winds commonly blow from NE toward SW, (2) 0°–30°S: winds commonly blow from SE toward NW, (3) 30°–60°N: winds commonly blow from SW toward NE, (4) 30°–60°S: winds commonly blow from NW toward SE. Which of the following best explains the overall pattern shown in the table?

(A)Uneven solar heating creates pressure differences that move air, and Earth’s rotation deflects that moving air, producing organized global wind belts.(B)Differences in ocean salinity create global pressure belts, and Earth’s axial tilt deflects winds equally in both hemispheres.(C)Seasonal changes in precipitation are the primary driver of global wind belts, and the Coriolis effect causes air to move from low pressure to high pressure.(D)Most intense solar radiation occurs at the poles, causing air to sink there and flow directly to the equator without significant deflection.

Refer to the figure below.

16. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.6] A student is delineating (drawing) the boundary of a watershed that drains to Outlet X. [Image Cue]: Topographic map, "Watershed Delineation to Outlet X", contour lines labeled 100 m to 400 m, a stream network that converges at Outlet X on the eastern edge of the map, and four labeled points (P, Q, R, S) placed in different valleys/ridges. A ridgeline runs north–south near the center of the map, separating two main drainage basins. Point P is west of the ridgeline in a valley feeding a west-flowing stream; Point Q is east of the ridgeline on a slope feeding a tributary that joins the stream leading to Outlet X; Point R is on the ridgeline; Point S is far southeast in a separate small coastal basin draining directly to the ocean. Which labeled point is located within the watershed that drains to Outlet X?

(A)Point P(B)Point Q(C)Point R(D)Point S

17. [Skill: 3A | Topic: 4.6] Two watersheds (A and B) drain to different nearby lakes. A class compiles the characteristics shown in the table. [Image Cue]: Data table, "Watershed Characteristics", with columns: Watershed, Area (km^2), Main Channel Length (km), Average Slope (%), Dominant Soil Type, Dominant Vegetation. Rows: - Watershed A: Area 120, Length 18, Slope 3, Soil = sandy loam, Vegetation = mixed forest - Watershed B: Area 45, Length 12, Slope 12, Soil = clay-rich, Vegetation = sparse grass/shrub Based on the table, which statement correctly compares a characteristic of Watershed A to Watershed B?

(A)Watershed A has a steeper average slope than Watershed B.(B)Watershed B has a larger watershed area than Watershed A.(C)Watershed A has a longer main channel length than Watershed B.(D)Watershed B has denser vegetation cover than Watershed A.

18. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.6] A town is located between two river systems. After a storm, water flowing off the north side of a low mountain ridge enters River N, while water flowing off the south side enters River S. The town council is deciding which river system could be affected by a new development proposed just south of the ridge. Which choice best describes the ridge in terms of watershed characteristics?

(A)The ridge is the watershed divide separating the two adjoining watersheds.(B)The ridge is the outlet where both watersheds discharge into the same body of water.(C)The ridge is the floodplain shared by both watersheds during storm events.(D)The ridge is the primary channel length that determines the size of each watershed.

Refer to the figure below.

19. **1.** [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.7] [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Average Daily Insolation vs. Latitude (Equinox)"; x-axis = Latitude (°) from -90 to +90; y-axis = Average daily insolation (W/m^2); curve peaks at 0° (equator) and decreases symmetrically toward both poles, with lowest values near ±90°. The graph shows that average daily insolation is highest near the equator and decreases toward the poles. Which of the following best explains the pattern shown in the graph?

(A)At higher latitudes, the Sun’s rays strike the surface at a lower angle, spreading the same energy over a larger area and reducing intensity.(B)At higher latitudes, Earth is farther from the Sun, so less solar radiation reaches the surface.(C)At higher latitudes, the ozone layer blocks most incoming solar radiation, decreasing insolation.(D)At higher latitudes, Earth rotates more slowly, causing fewer hours of daylight and reduced insolation year-round.

20. **2.** [Skill: 4A | Topic: 4.7] A student measures day length, the Sun’s maximum noon angle above the horizon, and total daily solar radiation received at 40°N on four dates. | Date | Day length (hours) | Max noon Sun angle (°) | Total daily solar radiation (MJ/m^2/day) | |---|---:|---:|---:| | Dec 21 | 9 | 26 | 8 | | Mar 20 | 12 | 49 | 15 | | Jun 21 | 15 | 73 | 26 | | Sep 22 | 12 | 49 | 15 | Which of the following best explains why the measured total daily solar radiation is greatest on Jun 21 at 40°N?

(A)The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, increasing both the angle (more direct sunlight) and the number of daylight hours.(B)Earth is closest to the Sun on Jun 21, increasing solar radiation received at all Northern Hemisphere locations.(C)Atmospheric absorption is lowest on Jun 21 because the ozone layer is seasonally thinnest, increasing insolation at the surface.(D)The equator receives less solar radiation on Jun 21, so more solar radiation is redistributed to 40°N.

21. **3.** [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.7] A student states: “It is warmer in the summer because Earth is closer to the Sun in summer and farther from the Sun in winter.” Which of the following is the best scientific response to the student’s claim?

(A)Seasons are primarily caused by Earth’s axial tilt, which changes the angle of sunlight and the length of daylight; the hemispheres experience opposite seasons at the same time.(B)Seasons are primarily caused by Earth’s axial tilt, which changes Earth–Sun distance; the hemisphere tilted toward the Sun is also physically closer to the Sun.(C)Seasons are primarily caused by changes in the Sun’s energy output across the year; solar fusion rates increase during Northern Hemisphere summer.(D)Seasons are primarily caused by ocean currents switching direction each year; the Sun’s angle and day length stay constant throughout the year.

22. **1. [Skill: 2A | Topic: 4.8]** Scientists compared long-term climate data from two towns at the same latitude on opposite sides of a coastal mountain range. Prevailing winds in the region generally blow from west to east. **Climate Data** - Town W (west side of the mountains): Annual precipitation = 120 cm; Average annual temperature = 12°C - Town E (east side of the mountains): Annual precipitation = 25 cm; Average annual temperature = 18°C Which of the following best explains why Town E is significantly drier than Town W?

(A)As moist air rises over the mountains on the west side, it cools and releases precipitation; the air then descends on the east side, warms, and becomes drier, producing a rain shadow.(B)Town E receives less solar radiation because it is farther from the equator, which reduces evaporation and decreases precipitation.(C)Town W is warmer because of the ocean’s moderating influence, and warmer air always holds more water vapor and therefore always produces more precipitation.(D)The Coriolis effect causes air to rotate away from Town E, preventing clouds from forming on the east side of the mountain range.

Refer to the figure below.

23. **2. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.8]** A class is modeling how a mountain range affects regional climate. Moist air moves inland from a nearby ocean toward a mountain range. [Image Cue]: Diagram, "Air Mass Moving Over a Mountain (Rain Shadow Model)", Cross-section showing ocean on left and mountain in center; an arrow labeled "Prevailing wind" moving from left (ocean) up the windward slope and down the leeward slope; labels for "Windward side" and "Leeward side"; cloud formation and precipitation shown on the windward slope; dry air and sparse vegetation shown on the leeward side. Which sequence best describes the processes that lead to dry conditions on the leeward side of the mountain range?

(A)Air rises on the windward side and warms; water vapor condenses; dry air sinks on the leeward side and cools.(B)Air rises on the windward side and cools; water vapor condenses and precipitates; air descends on the leeward side and warms, lowering relative humidity.(C)Air descends on the windward side and warms; water vapor condenses; air rises on the leeward side and cools, increasing precipitation.(D)Air rises on the windward side and cools; water vapor evaporates from clouds; air descends on the leeward side and cools, increasing cloud formation.

Refer to the figure below.

24. [Skill: 4A | Topic: 4.9] [Image Cue]: Line graph, "Monthly Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Anomaly in the Equatorial Eastern Pacific (Niño 3.4 Region) and Trade Wind Strength"; x-axis = Month (Jan–Dec), left y-axis = SST anomaly (°C) with values showing +0.2, +0.5, +1.2, +1.8, +2.1, +1.7, +1.0, +0.6, +0.3, 0.0, -0.2, -0.1; right y-axis = Trade wind strength (% of average) showing ~100% early months declining to ~70% midyear, then returning toward ~95% by late year. Key trend: SST anomaly strongly positive while trade winds are weaker than average. Based on the data shown, which of the following best identifies the ENSO phase and a likely environmental effect in a region far from the tropical Pacific?

(A)El Niño; increased winter precipitation in the southern United States due to a shifted jet stream(B)El Niño; stronger coastal upwelling off Peru leading to increased nutrient availability(C)La Niña; increased drought in Indonesia due to weakened trade winds(D)La Niña; reduced hurricane activity in the Atlantic caused by cooler-than-average eastern Pacific waters

Refer to the figure below.

25. [Skill: 1A | Topic: 4.9] A fisheries scientist is investigating changes in the Peruvian anchovy fishery during an ENSO event. The table below summarizes observations from a normal year and from a year with unusually warm surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific. [Image Cue]: Data table, "Coastal Conditions off Peru and Anchovy Catch"; columns = Condition, Upwelling (relative), Surface nitrate concentration (mg/L), Phytoplankton biomass (relative), Anchovy catch (relative). Rows: - Normal year: High upwelling; High nitrate; High phytoplankton; High anchovy catch. - Warm-water ENSO year: Low upwelling; Low nitrate; Low phytoplankton; Low anchovy catch. Which of the following best explains the cause-and-effect relationship responsible for the decreased anchovy catch during the warm-water ENSO year?

(A)Reduced upwelling lowers nutrient availability, decreasing primary productivity and reducing food for anchovies(B)Reduced upwelling increases nutrient availability in surface waters, increasing phytoplankton and causing anchovy populations to disperse(C)Warmer surface waters directly increase dissolved oxygen, which forces anchovies to migrate to deeper waters where fishing is impossible(D)Warmer surface waters increase mixing of deep and surface waters, which increases nitrate and causes a decline in anchovies due to algal toxins

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