Question 1

Venus appears almost completely featureless with neither clearly noticeable continents nor mountains.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 2

Which of the following Earth-bound phenomena do "volcanoes" on Io,the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter,most resemble in behavior?

Accepted Answer

A)  Undersea volcanoes,where hot lava produces explosive boiling of the water 
B)  Mountain volcanoes such as Mount St.Helens,exhibiting rare but devastating explosions that throw material high into the atmosphere 
C)  Lava-flow volcanoes occurring on the tops of mountains,such as those on Hawaii 
D)  Regularly spouting geysers in relatively flat hot-springs areas 
A)  Undersea volcanoes,where hot lava produces explosive boiling of the water 
B)  Mountain volcanoes such as Mount St.Helens,exhibiting rare but devastating explosions that throw material high into the atmosphere 
C)  Lava-flow volcanoes occurring on the tops of mountains,such as those on Hawaii 
D)  Regularly spouting geysers in relatively flat hot-springs areas D

Question 3

The constant volcanism on this moon continually repaves its surface so any impact craters are quickly obliterated.

Accepted Answer

A)  Ganymede 
B)  Callisto 
C)  Io 
D)  Europa 
A)  Ganymede 
B)  Callisto 
C)  Io 
D)  Europa C

Question 4

Mars's atmosphere experiences a runaway icehouse effect where CO2 is pulled from the atmosphere,lowering the temperature even more.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 5

The atmosphere of Venus is observed to contain almost no water.This is apparent because

Accepted Answer

A)  the water is locked up as ice (permafrost)beneath the surface of the planet. 
B)  Venus is so hot that whatever water there was simply evaporated into space because it was lighter than the major constituent,carbon dioxide. 
C)  solar UV light dissociated the water into hydrogen and oxygen;the hydrogen then escaped into space and the oxygen combined with other substances. 
D)  Venus has never had a significant amount of water,having formed closer to the Sun than did Earth,where water in the solar nebula could not condense. 
A)  the water is locked up as ice (permafrost)beneath the surface of the planet. 
B)  Venus is so hot that whatever water there was simply evaporated into space because it was lighter than the major constituent,carbon dioxide. 
C)  solar UV light dissociated the water into hydrogen and oxygen;the hydrogen then escaped into space and the oxygen combined with other substances. 
D)  Venus has never had a significant amount of water,having formed closer to the Sun than did Earth,where water in the solar nebula could not condense.

Question 6

The reason Venus has very few impact craters compared with the Moon is believed to be that

Accepted Answer

A)  lava flows have covered all but the most recent craters. 
B)  Venus formed closer to the Sun than did the Moon,where the cratering rate was much lower. 
C)  the surface of Venus has been subducted into the mantle over periods of several hundred million years. 
D)  erosion due to wind and rainfall has worn away all but the most recent craters. 
A)  lava flows have covered all but the most recent craters. 
B)  Venus formed closer to the Sun than did the Moon,where the cratering rate was much lower. 
C)  the surface of Venus has been subducted into the mantle over periods of several hundred million years. 
D)  erosion due to wind and rainfall has worn away all but the most recent craters.

Question 7

Caloris Basin,a huge circular region on Mercury surrounded by rings of mountains,appears to have been produced by

Accepted Answer

A)  the impact of a massive object in the early phases of the planet's formation,soon after the initial cratering period. 
B)  wind erosion from huge atmospheric storms,similar to super-hurricanes on Earth or the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. 
C)  successive expansion and contraction of the planet's surface by intense solar heating and severe cooling as the planet rotated,causing buckling in a similar way to the formation of the North American Rocky Mountains or the South American Andes. 
D)  the lava flow from a large and long-lived volcano that formed the mountains in a similar manner to the formation of the Hawaiian Islands on Earth. 
A)  the impact of a massive object in the early phases of the planet's formation,soon after the initial cratering period. 
B)  wind erosion from huge atmospheric storms,similar to super-hurricanes on Earth or the Great Red Spot on Jupiter. 
C)  successive expansion and contraction of the planet's surface by intense solar heating and severe cooling as the planet rotated,causing buckling in a similar way to the formation of the North American Rocky Mountains or the South American Andes. 
D)  the lava flow from a large and long-lived volcano that formed the mountains in a similar manner to the formation of the Hawaiian Islands on Earth.

Question 8

Which of the following processes has played the greatest role in shaping the surface of the Moon?

Accepted Answer

A)  Erosion by wind and atmospheric gases 
B)  Impacts of interplanetary bodies of all sizes 
C)  Motions of tectonic plates,producing mountain ranges wherever they collide 
D)  Recent volcanic activity,producing large numbers of crater-like volcanic calderas 
A)  Erosion by wind and atmospheric gases 
B)  Impacts of interplanetary bodies of all sizes 
C)  Motions of tectonic plates,producing mountain ranges wherever they collide 
D)  Recent volcanic activity,producing large numbers of crater-like volcanic calderas

Question 9

When were most of the existing lava plains formed on the surface of Mercury?

Accepted Answer

A)  Never.There is no evidence of lava flows on the surface of Mercury. 
B)  When Mercury was first formed,about 4.5 billion years ago 
C)  At the end of the era of heavy bombardment,about 3.8 billion years ago 
D)  When the crust wrinkled to form the scarps 
A)  Never.There is no evidence of lava flows on the surface of Mercury. 
B)  When Mercury was first formed,about 4.5 billion years ago 
C)  At the end of the era of heavy bombardment,about 3.8 billion years ago 
D)  When the crust wrinkled to form the scarps

Question 10

How have craters on Earth been erased over time?

Accepted Answer

A)  Wind erosion 
B)  Water erosion 
C)  Volcanic eruptions 
D)  All of these 
A)  Wind erosion 
B)  Water erosion 
C)  Volcanic eruptions 
D)  All of these

Question 11

The reason for the surprising result measured by the Viking Lander spacecraft on Mars,that the pressure readings of the atmosphere seemed to go down continuously after the spacecraft landed,is that

Accepted Answer

A)  the sensors were measuring outgassing of the spacecraft as it adjusted to the very low atmospheric pressure on Mars. 
B)  the sensors were slowly deteriorating in the intense solar UV radiation,making them progressively less sensitive. 
C)  the major constituent of the atmosphere,CO2,was freezing into dry ice flakes as winter approached. 
D)  the wake caused by the landing of the spacecraft acted like a hole in the atmosphere to allow the surface gases to escape. 
A)  the sensors were measuring outgassing of the spacecraft as it adjusted to the very low atmospheric pressure on Mars. 
B)  the sensors were slowly deteriorating in the intense solar UV radiation,making them progressively less sensitive. 
C)  the major constituent of the atmosphere,CO2,was freezing into dry ice flakes as winter approached. 
D)  the wake caused by the landing of the spacecraft acted like a hole in the atmosphere to allow the surface gases to escape.

Question 12

The Venusian atmospheric pressure is about

Accepted Answer

A)  1/10 Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
B)  the same as Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
C)  3 times greater than that of Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
D)  90 times greater than that of Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
A)  1/10 Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
B)  the same as Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
C)  3 times greater than that of Earth's atmospheric pressure. 
D)  90 times greater than that of Earth's atmospheric pressure.

Question 13

What physical mechanisms most probably caused the very long cracks and streaks that crisscross the surface of Europa,a moon of Jupiter?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are the tops of gigantic greenhouses built by inhabitants of Europa to protect their cucumber crops. 
B)  They are frozen rivers that,in warmer times,flowed across the moon's surface. 
C)  Volcanic eruptions caused lava flows that then froze in place. 
D)  Tidal flexing and cracking of the surface,with subsurface fluids gushing upward and freezing 
A)  They are the tops of gigantic greenhouses built by inhabitants of Europa to protect their cucumber crops. 
B)  They are frozen rivers that,in warmer times,flowed across the moon's surface. 
C)  Volcanic eruptions caused lava flows that then froze in place. 
D)  Tidal flexing and cracking of the surface,with subsurface fluids gushing upward and freezing

Question 14

What is believed to be the cause of the long,meandering scarps (cliffs)observed on Mercury?

Accepted Answer

A)  Shrinkage of the planet as Mercury cooled 
B)  Large impacts near the end of the early period of heavy bombardment 
C)  Volcanic eruptions along crustal faults over hot spots in the mantle 
D)  Crustal movement due to convection in the mantle,similar to continental drift on Earth but to a much smaller extent 
A)  Shrinkage of the planet as Mercury cooled 
B)  Large impacts near the end of the early period of heavy bombardment 
C)  Volcanic eruptions along crustal faults over hot spots in the mantle 
D)  Crustal movement due to convection in the mantle,similar to continental drift on Earth but to a much smaller extent

Question 15

What happened to Venus's water?

Accepted Answer

Water in the atmosphere was broken up by

Question 16

Venus appears to be very bright in our skies at certain times because

Accepted Answer

A)  even though its surface is very dark,it is relatively close to the Sun. 
B)  it is glowing from the heat of its surface,where the temperature is 750 K. 
C)  its rocky surface is shiny,like the surface of new volcanic lava. 
D)  it is relatively close to the Sun,Earth is close to it,and it is covered by very reflective clouds. 
A)  even though its surface is very dark,it is relatively close to the Sun. 
B)  it is glowing from the heat of its surface,where the temperature is 750 K. 
C)  its rocky surface is shiny,like the surface of new volcanic lava. 
D)  it is relatively close to the Sun,Earth is close to it,and it is covered by very reflective clouds.

Question 17

Mercury's scarps,numerous long cliffs,were probably formed as the planet cooled and contracted.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

When comparing the internal structure of Mars and Venus,

Accepted Answer

A)  Mars has a thin crust and Venus has a thick crust. 
B)  Venus has a thin crust and Mars has a thick crust. 
C)  both planets have a relatively thin crust. 
D)  both planets have a relatively thick crust. 
A)  Mars has a thin crust and Venus has a thick crust. 
B)  Venus has a thin crust and Mars has a thick crust. 
C)  both planets have a relatively thin crust. 
D)  both planets have a relatively thick crust.

Question 19

The pressure of the atmosphere of Mars-primarily carbon dioxide (CO2)-compared with the atmospheric pressure at Earth's surface,is

Accepted Answer

A)  extremely small (less than 1 millionth). 
B)  about 90 times greater. 
C)  less than 1/100. 
D)  about the same. 
A)  extremely small (less than 1 millionth). 
B)  about 90 times greater. 
C)  less than 1/100. 
D)  about the same.

Question 20

Why has the greenhouse effect been much more effective in raising the surface temperature on Venus than on Earth?

Accepted Answer

A)  The solar wind,the major cause of heating in the greenhouse effect,is far more intense at Venus's distance from the Sun,and Venus has no magnetic field to deflect it. 
B)  The oceans on Earth have acted as a thermostat in absorbing much of the heat that would otherwise have raised Earth's temperature significantly. 
C)  CO2,which traps heat from the planet's surface,is the major component in the very dense Venusian atmosphere but only a minor constituent of Earth's atmosphere. 
D)  The surface of Venus is much more effective than that of Earth in absorbing solar visible and UV radiation. 
A)  The solar wind,the major cause of heating in the greenhouse effect,is far more intense at Venus's distance from the Sun,and Venus has no magnetic field to deflect it. 
B)  The oceans on Earth have acted as a thermostat in absorbing much of the heat that would otherwise have raised Earth's temperature significantly. 
C)  CO2,which traps heat from the planet's surface,is the major component in the very dense Venusian atmosphere but only a minor constituent of Earth's atmosphere. 
D)  The surface of Venus is much more effective than that of Earth in absorbing solar visible and UV radiation.

Venus appears almost completely featureless with neither clearly noticeable continents nor mountains.

Which of the following Earth-bound phenomena do "volcanoes" on Io,the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter,most resemble in behavior?

The constant volcanism on this moon continually repaves its surface so any impact craters are quickly obliterated.

Mars's atmosphere experiences a runaway icehouse effect where CO₂ is pulled from the atmosphere,lowering the temperature even more.

The atmosphere of Venus is observed to contain almost no water.This is apparent because

The reason Venus has very few impact craters compared with the Moon is believed to be that

Caloris Basin,a huge circular region on Mercury surrounded by rings of mountains,appears to have been produced by

Which of the following processes has played the greatest role in shaping the surface of the Moon?

When were most of the existing lava plains formed on the surface of Mercury?

How have craters on Earth been erased over time?

The reason for the surprising result measured by the Viking Lander spacecraft on Mars,that the pressure readings of the atmosphere seemed to go down continuously after the spacecraft landed,is that

The Venusian atmospheric pressure is about

What physical mechanisms most probably caused the very long cracks and streaks that crisscross the surface of Europa,a moon of Jupiter?

What is believed to be the cause of the long,meandering scarps (cliffs)observed on Mercury?

What happened to Venus's water?

Venus appears to be very bright in our skies at certain times because

Mercury's scarps,numerous long cliffs,were probably formed as the planet cooled and contracted.

When comparing the internal structure of Mars and Venus,

The pressure of the atmosphere of Mars-primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂)-compared with the atmospheric pressure at Earth's surface,is

Why has the greenhouse effect been much more effective in raising the surface temperature on Venus than on Earth?

Predicting the Motions of the Stars, Sun, and Moon

Decoding the Hidden Messages in Starlight

Analyzing Scales and Motions of the Universe

Exploring Our Evolving Solar System

Uncovering Earths Systems

Observing the Dynamic Giant Planets

Looking for Life Beyond Earth

Probing the Dynamic Sun

Observing Properties of Distant Stars

Inferring Patterns in Star Life Cycles

Predicting the Violent End of the Largest Stars

Exploring Our Galaxy

Investigating Other Galaxies

Observing the Evolution of the Universe

Filters

Exam 6: Exploring Terrestrial Surface Processes and Atmospheres

Venus appears almost completely featureless with neither clearly noticeable continents nor mountains.

Which of the following Earth-bound phenomena do "volcanoes" on Io,the innermost Galilean moon of Jupiter,most resemble in behavior?

The constant volcanism on this moon continually repaves its surface so any impact craters are quickly obliterated.

Mars's atmosphere experiences a runaway icehouse effect where CO2 is pulled from the atmosphere,lowering the temperature even more.

The atmosphere of Venus is observed to contain almost no water.This is apparent because

The reason Venus has very few impact craters compared with the Moon is believed to be that

Caloris Basin,a huge circular region on Mercury surrounded by rings of mountains,appears to have been produced by

Which of the following processes has played the greatest role in shaping the surface of the Moon?

When were most of the existing lava plains formed on the surface of Mercury?

How have craters on Earth been erased over time?

The reason for the surprising result measured by the Viking Lander spacecraft on Mars,that the pressure readings of the atmosphere seemed to go down continuously after the spacecraft landed,is that

The Venusian atmospheric pressure is about

What physical mechanisms most probably caused the very long cracks and streaks that crisscross the surface of Europa,a moon of Jupiter?

What is believed to be the cause of the long,meandering scarps (cliffs)observed on Mercury?

What happened to Venus's water?

Venus appears to be very bright in our skies at certain times because

Mercury's scarps,numerous long cliffs,were probably formed as the planet cooled and contracted.

When comparing the internal structure of Mars and Venus,

The pressure of the atmosphere of Mars-primarily carbon dioxide (CO2)-compared with the atmospheric pressure at Earth's surface,is

Why has the greenhouse effect been much more effective in raising the surface temperature on Venus than on Earth?

Predicting the Motions of the Stars, Sun, and Moon

Decoding the Hidden Messages in Starlight

Analyzing Scales and Motions of the Universe

Exploring Our Evolving Solar System

Uncovering Earths Systems

Observing the Dynamic Giant Planets

Looking for Life Beyond Earth

Probing the Dynamic Sun

Observing Properties of Distant Stars

Inferring Patterns in Star Life Cycles

Predicting the Violent End of the Largest Stars

Exploring Our Galaxy

Investigating Other Galaxies

Observing the Evolution of the Universe

Filters

Mars's atmosphere experiences a runaway icehouse effect where CO₂ is pulled from the atmosphere,lowering the temperature even more.

The pressure of the atmosphere of Mars-primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂)-compared with the atmospheric pressure at Earth's surface,is