2.1-2.2 Quiz Review

A threshold effect occurs when a small disturbance causes little or no change in a system, but an additional small disturbance causes large, rapid changes; an example is the saturation of soil on a slope by a large rain event followed by another rain event that causes landslides to occur.

• True
• False

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Today, geologists believe both gradualism and catastrophism are correct

• True
• False

Feedback mechanisms occur when a change or disturbance in one component affects a different component of a system

• True
• False

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NGSS.HS-LS1-3

Events that occur slowly over geologic time, such as the deposition of the layers of sediment that become rock, and the later erosion of the rock by a river, can significantly change Earth’s surface.

• True
• False

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

An earthquake can be used to represent the principle of uniformitarianism because the event occurs over a long stretch of geologic time

• True
• False

Earth’s layers formed due to density differences in materials, which means that heavier elements sank toward the core and less dense material floated toward Earth’s surface.

• True
• False

Each of Earth’s spheres is considered a system with unique cycles, yet each sphere interacts with the other spheres.

• True
• False

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which is true of Earth’s geosphere?

• a. The geosphere consists of Earth’s rocks, oceans, and atmosphere.
• b. The crust and uppermost mantle make up the lithosphere.
• c. Tectonic plates move at an average rate of 1.7 meters per year.
• d. Below a depth of 100 kilometers, the mantle is cold and solid.
• e. Earth’s surface is rich in iron and nickel because these elements have a low density.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Which is true of Earth’s four spheres?

• a. The cryosphere is part of Earth’s atmosphere.
• b. The highest percentage of liquid water in Earth’s hydrosphere is found in the ocean.
• c. Lithospheric plates are part of Earth’s biosphere.
• d. Bacteria that live under glaciers are part of the geosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which is true about the principles of gradualism and catastrophism?

• a. Although most geologic change is gradual, it can sometimes occur rapidly.
• b. Although most geologic change is rapid, a few processes occur gradually.
• c. The principle of gradualism explains why systems have feedback mechanisms that amplify effects, but the principle of catastrophism does not.
• d. The principle of catastrophism explains why systems have feedback mechanisms that amplify effects, but the principle of gradualism does not