Earth's Layers Quiz

Scientists are able to make observations and inferences about what is below the crust of Earth by using scientific evidence. Which of these are examples of evidence that scientists use to discover what the layers of Earth’s crust are like? Choose the TWO that apply.

• fossils
• X-rays
• seismic waves
• samples of rock
• digging below the surface

Temperature and pressure change as a space shuttle blasts off and travels away from Earth’s surface. Temperature and pressure also change as a diver sinks deep beneath the surface of the ocean. How do temperature and pressure change as you travel through the layers beneath the surface of Earth? Choose the words to finish the sentence. The closer that you get to Earth’s core, the temperature _________________ and the pressure ______________.

• increases; decreases
• decreases; increases
• increases; increases
• decreases; decreases

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

• crust
• inner core
• outer core
• mantle

Camilo and his parents travel to Yellowstone National Park for a vacation. They read that below Yellowstone National Park lies a supervolcano that is responsible for small earthquakes and hotspot activity in the area. How can scientists be sure of what is below Yellowstone National Park? Choose the THREE statements that apply.

• They use seismic waves
• They use models
• They observe rocks
• They use x-rays

Benny uses a compass to navigate his way through the woods when he is 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?

• crust
• inner core
• mantle
• outer core

Sam is creating a computer model to present to his classmates so they can compare the properties of each layer of Earth. Choose the words to finish the sentences. The __________ should be the thickest layer of Sam’s model, and the __________ should be the thinnest layer.

• mantle; crust
• outer core; crust
• crust; mantle
• outer core; mantle