STAAR Test Practice exam fully solved & updated 2024 latest update

Tectonic Plate Movement Lithosphere- Crusts and Top layer of mantle, it is divided into shifting tectonic plates. Effects- Earthquakes, Mountains, Volcanos, Rift Valleys, Seafloor Spreading. Other Forces affecting Earth's Surface - Weathering - Rocks broken up by wind, ice, water, and organisms. Erosion - Rocks and particles are broken down and carried to a new location. Hydrosphere Made of all water on earth's surface. 70% of Earth's surface is water Gravitational pull causes Tides - A cyclic rise and fall of the oceans. Ocean water is moved by surface and deep sea currents. The Water Cycle- Water circulates through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and run-off. Atmosphere and Weather The atmosphere is an envelope of gases around earth. It is mainly made up of nitrogen and oxygen. The gases fo the atmosphere absorb solar radiation , moderate temperatures, and distribute water. Weather consists of temperature , humidity, precipitation, and wind. The atmosphere creates distinct weather patterns. Heating of the atmosphere and earth's spin create wind patterns. Surface features like mountains also effect weather. Climate Average weather conditions (Weather conditions of a place are affected by it's : Latitude, elevation, winds, ocean currents, mountain boundaries.) Climate Regions (Regions based on similarities in climate : Polar Climates, Tropical Climates) Biomes ( Variations in climate lead to distinct regions base on similarities of plant and animal life : Temperate forests, tropical rain forests, grasslands, deserts, and tundras. Effect of Environment on People Bodies of Water - People tend to settle close to water. Landforms - People settle in flat, fertile valleys where farming is easier. Climate - Average temperature anon shelter, agriculture, and precipitation have large impact on shelter, agriculture, and clothing. Plant and Animal Life - The crops and livestock in an area greatly affect people's food, clothing and homes. Seismic Activity - Earthquakes and volcanos may influence how homes are built. Natural Diasters Natural disasters pose special problems to people's lives and property. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanos caused by tectonic plate movement. : Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanos Extremes in Weather Changes in weather patterns can bring devastating conditions to some area. : Hurricanes, El nino, Tornados, La Nine.