Quiz: Earth's Interior

Scientists can make observations and inferences about what is below the crust of the Earth by using scientific evidence. These are examples of evidence that scientists use to discover what Earth's crust's layers are like. Choose the two that apply.

• magnetic fields
• fossils
• ocean currents
• seismic waves, rock samples

Tags

MS-ESS2-1

In Journey to the Center of the Earth, by Jules Verne, an adventurer travels through Earth's layers until reaching the center. In what order would the adventurer have traveled to the center? Type the earth's layers into the correct order. Place the outer layer at the top and the inner layer at the bottom.

Tags

MS-ESS2-1

Temperature and pressure change as a space shuttle blasts off and travels away from Earth's surface. Temperature and pressure change as a diver sinks deep beneath the ocean's surface. How do temperature and pressure change as you travel through the layers beneath the surface of the Earth? Choose the correct answer.

• Increase
• Fluctuate
• Stay the same
• Decrease

Camilo and his parents travel to Yellowstone National Park for a vacation. They read the information about the Yellowstone National Park supervolcano responsible for small earthquakes and hotspot activity in the area. Volcanoes extend so deep below the Earth's surface that they reach the next layer. Which is the second layer of the Earth?

• mantle
• atmosphere
• core
• crust

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

How can scientists be sure of what is below Yellowstone National Park? Choose the statements that apply.

• Seismic imaging, drilling and sampling, studying volcanic gases
• Using ground-penetrating radar, studying weather patterns, analyzing soil composition
• Satellite imaging, studying animal behavior, analyzing rock formations
• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What drives the movement of convection currents in the Earth's mantle?

• Gravitational pull from the Moon and Sun
• Friction caused by tectonic plate movement
• Heat generated from the core and radioactive decay of elements within the mantle.
• Magnetic forces from the Earth's core

Benny uses a compass to navigate the woods when camping. The needle on the compass reacts to Earth's magnetic field by always pointing north. Which part of Earth is responsible for creating its magnetic field?

• core
• crust
• atmosphere
• mantle

Tags

MS-ESS2-1

Earth's layers are composed of different materials and have varying temperatures and pressures. Which layer of the Earth is primarily composed of solid iron and nickel?

• core

• mantle

• crust

• atmosphere

Tags

MS-ESS2-1

Which layer of the Earth is the thinnest and varies in thickness?

• core

• mantle

• crust

• atmosphere

Tags

MS-ESS2-1

What is the primary method scientists use to study the Earth's inner core?

• Seismic wave analysis

• Direct observation

• Satellite imaging

• Soil sampling

Tags

MS-ESS2-1