Some constellations are more prominent in the night sky of North Carolina in winter, while other constellations are more prominent in the night sky in summer. Which best explains why this occurs? 

What is most likely to occur when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned in a relatively straight line?

How does the energy produced by the sun travel to Earth? 

Which best describes how energy from the sun helps to maintain life on Earth?

Which of these statements best explains the shape of Earth? 

Which geographic features form as a result of continental-continental convergent plates?  

Where are most volcanoes located? 

What would be most effective in minimizing the potential damage caused by an earthquake? 

Bedrock that is closer to oceanic ridges is younger in age than bedrock that is farther away. What can best be concluded from this information?

Which is a one-way poor use of fertilizers in agriculture can affect the environment?

Nuclear power and drilling for oil can both negatively affect ecosystems. Which negative impact can only be caused by nuclear power?

What is the effect of deforestation? 

How are surface mining and peat harvesting similar in the way they affect an ecosystem? 

Guatemala is a mountainous country in Central America. Each year, more than 350 square kilometers of forests are removed for building materials and to make more room for crops. If this rate of deforestation continues, what will most likely result over the next several years?

What will most likely happen if a warm ocean current travels north or south from the equator?

In the hydrologic cycle, which process contributes to a decrease in groundwater levels? 

If people in an area have limited access to freshwater resources, what will most likely result? 

Which is one way surface water may become groundwater? 

Which result is most likely to occur after excessive withdrawal of groundwater in coastal areas? 

Which will cause an increase in runoff and infiltration in an area? 

What is a possible consequence of the destruction of a marsh? 

Temperature increases as altitude increases in both the stratosphere and the thermosphere. What is the main difference between these two layers?

What would most likely result if more farms were developed along river basins in North Carolina?

Which is most often a result of a warm air mass moving over a cooler air mass?

Which has the greatest influence on wind speed? 

Which is a major source of air pollution? 

Joan picked up a brochure on North Carolina and learned the facts listed below. 

-  It may experience either hot, humid summer conditions or more moderate summer conditions.

- The annual rainfall across the state ranges from 37 to 90 inches. Which aspect of North Carolina was Joan focusing on from the brochure?

Which is least likely to cause changes in global climate? 

Which could increase the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

What will most likely influence global sea levels?

Which interaction of a biotic and an abiotic factor can help stabilize a forest area in North Carolina?

How could a global decrease in plant diversity affect the biosphere? 

Two farmers decide to plant fewer types of corn in their fields. How will changing the biodiversity of the corn crop affect the fields? 

Which action will most likely cause a negative impact on the biodiversity of a small region? 

f fossil fuel usage were unlimited, what effect would this have on Earth’s biosphere? 

What would most likely happen if coastal North Carolina increased implementation of wind energy? 

Which would be the best way to reduce the environmental impact of conventional agricultural practices? 

What effect would uncontrolled population growth have on land? 

What effect does reusing or recycling municipal waste have on environmental resources?