Earth Science I · Freshwater Resources
Virginia SOL ES.8
Virginia SOL ES.8 is part of the Freshwater Resources strand in Earth Science I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand how freshwater resources influence and are influenced by geologic processes and human activity. Below is what ES.8 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice ES.8 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL ES.8 means
Investigate and understand how freshwater resources influence and are influenced by geologic processes and human activity.
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.8 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A diagram shows four numbered stages in the evolution of a massive star, ending in either a neutron star or black hole. Which numbered stage represents a supernova?
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Answer: D — 4
2. Which mineral, when in the form of sand, is used to manufacture glass?
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Answer: D — Quartz
3. The two most common ions in ocean water are —
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Answer: A — chloride and sodium
4. If there were a slight increase in the amount of solar energy reaching Earth, there would be an immediate increase in —
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Answer: B — evaporation
Skills you’ll practice for ES.8
- Explain how water influences geologic processes including soil development and karst topography.
- Analyze how the nature of materials in the subsurface affects the water table and future availability of fresh water.
- Evaluate how weather and human usage affect freshwater resources, including water locations, quality, and supply.
- Explain how stream processes and dynamics affect major watershed systems in Virginia, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Key concepts covered by ES.8
- water geology
- soil development
- karst topography
- erosion
- water table
- subsurface materials
- aquifer properties
- freshwater availability
- water quality
- human water use
- weather impact
- water supply
- stream processes
- watershed systems
- Chesapeake Bay
- fluvial geomorphology
How to study and practice SOL ES.8
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether ES.8 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.8
What is Virginia SOL ES.8?
SOL ES.8 is a Earth Science I Standard of Learning in the Freshwater Resources strand. It expects students to investigate and understand how freshwater resources influence and are influenced by geologic processes and human activity.
What skills does SOL ES.8 cover?
SOL ES.8 is assessed on 4 skills: explain how water influences geologic processes including soil development and karst topography; analyze how the nature of materials in the subsurface affects the water table and future availability of fresh water; evaluate how weather and human usage affect freshwater resources, including water locations, quality, and supply; explain how stream processes and dynamics affect major watershed systems in Virginia, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
What strand of Earth Science I is SOL ES.8 in?
SOL ES.8 belongs to the Freshwater Resources reporting strand of the Earth Science I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL ES.8?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether ES.8 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.