Earth Science I · Atmosphere
Virginia SOL ES.11
Virginia SOL ES.11 is part of the Atmosphere strand in Earth Science I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand the atmosphere as a complex, dynamic system subject to long- and short-term variations. Below is what ES.11 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice ES.11 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL ES.11 means
Investigate and understand the atmosphere as a complex, dynamic system 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.11 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A graph shows that air pressure decreases with altitude. At approximately 22 kilometers above sea level, air pressure is closest to —
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Answer: A — 40 millibars
2. Which factor is most important in determining how a rock was formed?
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Answer: C — Composition and texture
3. Which part of a saber-toothed cat is most likely to become fossilized?
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Answer: D — Jaws
4. Sulfate emissions have decreased, but sulfate levels in some lakes remain high. Why?
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Answer: C — Earlier sulfate stored in soil continues to wash into lakes
Skills you’ll practice for ES.11
- Explain why the composition of the atmosphere is critical to most forms of life.
- Describe how biologic and geologic interactions over long and short time spans change the atmospheric composition.
- Identify natural events and human actions that may stress atmospheric regulation mechanisms.
- Evaluate how human actions, including economic and policy decisions, affect the atmosphere.
Key concepts covered by ES.11
- atmospheric composition
- life support
- biogeochemical cycles
- oxygen cycle
- atmospheric change
- geological interactions
- carbon cycle
- atmospheric stress
- pollution
- climate change
- ozone depletion
- atmospheric policy
- climate change mitigation
- air quality regulation
- economic impact
How to study and practice SOL ES.11
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether ES.11 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.11
What is Virginia SOL ES.11?
SOL ES.11 is a Earth Science I Standard of Learning in the Atmosphere strand. It expects students to investigate and understand the atmosphere as a complex, dynamic system subject to long- and short-term variations.
What skills does SOL ES.11 cover?
SOL ES.11 is assessed on 4 skills: explain why the composition of the atmosphere is critical to most forms of life; describe how biologic and geologic interactions over long and short time spans change the atmospheric composition; identify natural events and human actions that may stress atmospheric regulation mechanisms; evaluate how human actions, including economic and policy decisions, affect the atmosphere.
What strand of Earth Science I is SOL ES.11 in?
SOL ES.11 belongs to the Atmosphere reporting strand of the Earth Science I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL ES.11?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether ES.11 is already solid, then work the 4 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.