Earth Science I · Oceans
Virginia SOL ES.10
Virginia SOL ES.10 is part of the Oceans strand in Earth Science I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand oceans as complex, dynamic systems subject to long- and short-term variations. Below is what ES.10 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice ES.10 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL ES.10 means
Investigate and understand oceans as complex, dynamic systems subject to long- and short-term variations.
Practice Earth Science I SOL questions
Free Earth Science I questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on ES.10 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A bedrock map of Virginia identifies several locations. Which location has the oldest exposed bedrock?
Show answer
Answer: C — Jack Mountain
2. Based on planetary rotation data showing that Jupiter completes one rotation in about 10 hours, which planet rotates the fastest?
Show answer
Answer: C — Jupiter
3. What processes can transform igneous rock into sedimentary rock?
Show answer
Answer: C — Erosion and sedimentation
4. A mineral identification table lists topaz as having hardness 8.0 and occurring in various colors, including blue. Which mineral is blue and will scratch garnet?
Show answer
Answer: D — Topaz
Skills you’ll practice for ES.10
- Explain how chemical, biological, and physical changes affect the oceans.
- Analyze how environmental and geologic occurrences affect ocean dynamics.
- Explain how unevenly distributed heat in the oceans drives much of Earth's weather.
- Describe how features of the sea floor reflect tectonic and other geological processes.
- Evaluate how human actions, including economic and public policy issues, affect oceans and the coastal zone including the Chesapeake Bay.
Key concepts covered by ES.10
- ocean chemistry
- marine biology
- physical oceanography
- ocean dynamics
- geological events
- environmental impact
- marine processes
- ocean heat distribution
- weather patterns
- thermohaline circulation
- climate drivers
- seafloor features
- tectonic processes
- marine geology
- ocean basins
- ocean policy
- Chesapeake Bay
- marine conservation
- economic impact
How to study and practice SOL ES.10
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether ES.10 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL ES.10
What is Virginia SOL ES.10?
SOL ES.10 is a Earth Science I Standard of Learning in the Oceans strand. It expects students to investigate and understand oceans as complex, dynamic systems subject to long- and short-term variations.
What skills does SOL ES.10 cover?
SOL ES.10 is assessed on 5 skills: explain how chemical, biological, and physical changes affect the oceans; analyze how environmental and geologic occurrences affect ocean dynamics; explain how unevenly distributed heat in the oceans drives much of Earth's weather; describe how features of the sea floor reflect tectonic and other geological processes; evaluate how human actions, including economic and public policy issues, affect oceans and the coastal zone including the Chesapeake Bay.
What strand of Earth Science I is SOL ES.10 in?
SOL ES.10 belongs to the Oceans reporting strand of the Earth Science I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL ES.10?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether ES.10 is already solid, then work the 5 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.