Dynamic Earth Unit Test Practice

Which evidence has led scientists to conclude that there are different layers within Earth’s interior?

• analysis of earthquake wave data
• rock samples taken from Earth’s core
• measurement of Earth’s diameter
• temperatures taken within each layer

Most of Earth’s major earthquakes are caused by:

• seasonal heating and cooling of Earth’s surface
• weathering of rock at Earth’s surface
• Earth’s gravitational attraction to the Moon
• faulting of rock in Earth’s crust

Which Earth layer contains convection currents that are believed to be responsible for the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates?

• crust
• outer core
• mantle
• inner core

The relatively thin layer of rock at Earth’s surface is called the

• atmosphere
• lithosphere
• hydrosphere
• hemisphere

Which geologic process occurs when the acid in precipitation dissolves certain types of rock?

• faulting
• weathering
• tilting
• erupting

During an earthquake, the wave which causes the most damage is known as the _____________ wave.

• surface
• body
• litho-
• micro-

Which list below correctly identifies A, B, and C in the pie chart?

• A is fresh water, B is ice, and C is salt water
• A is salt water, B is ice, and C is fresh water
• A is ice, B is salt water, and C is fresh water

Alfred Wegener proposed the idea that these continents moved apart, however, he was unable to explain the reason. His theory of the continents moving became known as:

• Continental Drift Theory
• Boyles Landmass Theory
• Newton’s Law of Universal Gravitation
• Terrestrial Tectonics

The diagram below shows two locations where fossils of Mesosaurus have been found. Mesosaurus was a freshwater reptile that existed on Earth about 250 million years ago. Which statement best explains why these freshwater Mesosaurus fossils are found today in some rock layers in both South America and Africa?

• Mesosaurus swam across the ocean between the continents.
• The continents were once connected as a single landmass.
• Global warming has been raising the sea level in the Atlantic Ocean.
• The remains of Mesosaurus were carried across the ocean by predators.

The currents responsible for making the lithosphere move are called:

• seafloor spreading
• conduction currents
• convection currents
• electric currents