Earth Science Quiz Surface Features Definitions

What is the thin shell on the outside of the Earth, broken up into plates that shift and move because they rest on the moving mantle?

• mantle

• crust

• tectonics

• plate

Answer explanation

The thin shell on the outside of the Earth, broken up into plates that shift and move because they rest on the moving mantle is called the crust. It is the correct choice.

What is the belief that the earth's crust is broken up into large pieces, or plates, and they float on the mantle and move tiny amounts every day?

• mantle

• crust

• plate

• tectonics

Answer explanation

Plate tectonics is the belief that the earth's crust is broken up into large pieces, or plates, and they float on the mantle and move tiny amounts every day.

What is the largest layer of the Earth, with the upper mantle being hot and semi-liquid, causing it to move but not as quickly as water?

• tectonics

• plate

• crust

• mantle

Answer explanation

The largest layer of the Earth is the mantle, which is hot and semi-liquid. It moves, but not as quickly as water. This makes it the correct choice.

What is the process that builds up the Earth's surface, a way new landforms are made?

• destructive process

• constructive process

• chemical weathering

• physical weathering

Answer explanation

The process that builds up the Earth's surface and creates new landforms is called a constructive process.

What is the destructive process that wears down Earth's surface, for example, rock getting broken down into tiny pieces called sediment?

• constructive process

• destructive process

• physical weathering

• chemical weathering

Answer explanation

Physical weathering is the destructive process that breaks down rock into sediment, wearing down Earth's surface.

What is the constructive process that drops sediment into a new location, causing a new landform to build up?

• erosion

• deposition

• delta

• sand dune

Answer explanation

Deposition is the constructive process that drops sediment into a new location, forming new landforms.

How is a delta formed?

• Glacier slowly moves through a mountain, forming a delta

• Wind carries sand and drops it, forming a delta

• River water carries sediment downstream and slows down, dropping the sediment and forming a delta

• Tectonic plates collide and push up the crust, forming a delta

Answer explanation

A delta is formed when river water carries sediment downstream, slows down, and drops the sediment, creating a delta.

What is the destructive process that carries away sediment from a location?

• erosion

• deposition

• sand dune

• delta

Answer explanation

Erosion is the destructive process that carries away sediment from a location.

What is the structure built between a beach and a community to prevent erosion past the beach?

• reclamation

• sea wall

• beach

• sea groin

Answer explanation

A sea wall is a structure built between a beach and a community to prevent erosion. It is the correct choice because it effectively protects the beach and community from erosion.

What is the process of adding sand to an eroded beach?

• sea wall

• sea groin

• reclamation

• beach

Answer explanation

The process of adding sand to an eroded beach is called beach reclamation. It involves replenishing the beach with sand to restore its natural form and protect it from further erosion.