Science Starter 81 1-14-Science Starter 81 1-14-20102010

On a clear day, a tsunami suddenly hits the beach of an island in the South Pacific. What was the likely cause of the wave?

A. offshore hurricane

B. undersea earthquake

C. continental deflection

D. wind in the open ocean

Science Starter 82 1-15-Science Starter 82 1-15-20102010

Ki is going to search for clams and oysters during low tide. If she knows that low tide is at 3:00 p.m. today, at what time should she plan to go searching for shellfish tomorrow?

• A. 3:00 a.m.

• B. 2:10 p.m.

• C. 3:00 p.m.

• D. 3:50 p.m.

Science Starter 83 1-19-Science Starter 83 1-19-20102010

• What combination of tides is occurring when you see the full moon directly overhead?

• A. high tide during a neap tide

• B. low tide during a neap tide

• C. high tide during a spring tide

• D. low tide during a spring tide

Science Starter 84 1-21-Science Starter 84 1-21-20102010

• During which of the following situations is water likely to sink to form a deep-ocean current?

• A. Water evaporates and salinity increases in water near Florida.

• B. Winds form huge waves in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

• C. Water freezes and becomes more salty near Antarctica.

• D. Winds near Alaska blow cool water toward the North American coast.

Science Starter 85 1-22-Science Starter 85 1-22-20102010

Which of the following statements describes the relative positions of Earth, the sun, and the moon when the smallest difference between high tide and low tide occurs?

A. The sun and Earth were at right angles to each other relative to the moon.

B. The sun and moon were at right angles to each other relative to Earth.

C. The sun, moon, and Earth were aligned, with the moon between the sun and Earth.

D. The sun, moon, and Earth were aligned, with the Earth between the sun and moon.