Page 1 of 10
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – UNIT 4
PROGRESS CHECK MCQ – EARTH SYSTEMS
AND RESOURCES PRACTICE EXAM | {LATEST
2026/ 2027 UPDATE} COMPLETE ACTUAL AND
AUTHENTIC EXAM | BRAND NEW!
The Atlantic Ocean is expanding as a result of plate tectonics.
Which of the following explanations best identifies the type of
plate boundary and processes occurring at the Mid-Atlantic
Ridge, as shown in the diagram below?
A divergent plate boundary exists at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
where plates move away from one another, leading to
seafloor spreading.
Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains
charged gas molecules that glow and produce light when hit
by solar energy, leading to glowing gases such as the northern
lights, found over 90 kilometers above Earth's surface?
Thermosphere
, Page 2 of 10
Which of the following combinations correctly identifies and
explains the effects of the differences in the distribution of
solar radiation on Earth as seen in the diagram above?
Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar
radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at
high latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air
masses.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the
formation of Hadley cells in the tropics, as seen in the
diagram, between 30°Nand 30°S latitude?
The Sun warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to
rise because of its lower density. As the warm air moves away
from the equator, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the
deflection of the trade winds in both hemispheres, as seen in
the diagram above?
The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation.
AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE – UNIT 4
PROGRESS CHECK MCQ – EARTH SYSTEMS
AND RESOURCES PRACTICE EXAM | {LATEST
2026/ 2027 UPDATE} COMPLETE ACTUAL AND
AUTHENTIC EXAM | BRAND NEW!
The Atlantic Ocean is expanding as a result of plate tectonics.
Which of the following explanations best identifies the type of
plate boundary and processes occurring at the Mid-Atlantic
Ridge, as shown in the diagram below?
A divergent plate boundary exists at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
where plates move away from one another, leading to
seafloor spreading.
Which of the following layers of the atmosphere contains
charged gas molecules that glow and produce light when hit
by solar energy, leading to glowing gases such as the northern
lights, found over 90 kilometers above Earth's surface?
Thermosphere
, Page 2 of 10
Which of the following combinations correctly identifies and
explains the effects of the differences in the distribution of
solar radiation on Earth as seen in the diagram above?
Global wind patterns are created because uneven solar
radiation results in warm air at low latitudes and cool air at
high latitudes, resulting in density differences between the air
masses.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the
formation of Hadley cells in the tropics, as seen in the
diagram, between 30°Nand 30°S latitude?
The Sun warms the moist air at the equator and causes it to
rise because of its lower density. As the warm air moves away
from the equator, it cools, becomes denser, and then sinks.
Which of the following is the best explanation for the
deflection of the trade winds in both hemispheres, as seen in
the diagram above?
The wind is deflected west because of Earth's rotation.
