Earth's Interior Quiz

What are the two main types of evidence that scientists use to study the deeper parts of Earth's interior?

• Seismic waves and satellite imagery
• Drilling and rock samples
• Seismic waves and rock samples
• Magnetic field data and chemical analysis

What happens to temperature and pressure as you go deeper into the Earth?

• Both temperature and pressure decrease
• Temperature decreases while pressure increases
• Both temperature and pressure increase
• Temperature increases while pressure decreases

Which of the following is not one of the major compositional layers of the Earth?

• Crust
• Mantle
• Core
• Asthenosphere

Which part of the Earth's mechanical layers is made up of tectonic plates that float on top of the mantle?

• Lithosphere
• Asthenosphere
• Outer Core
• Inner Core

What causes the convection currents in the Earth's mantle?

• The movement of the tectonic plates
• The spinning of the inner core
• Heat from the Earth's core rising and sinking
• The flow of the asthenosphere

What is the main process responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field?

• Movement of the tectonic plates
• Convection currents in the outer core
• Radioactive decay in the mantle
• Cooling of the inner core

What is the primary function of the Earth's magnetic field?

• Causes compass needles to point north
• Protects the Earth from solar winds
• Maintains the rotation of the Earth
• Generates the geothermal heat within the Earth

Which mechanical layer of the Earth is characterized by rock that is plastic and can slowly flow?

• Lithosphere
• Asthenosphere
• Outer Core
• Inner Core

Which compositional layer of the Earth has the highest density?

• Crust
• Mantle
• Outer Core
• Inner Core

What is the primary difference between the oceanic crust and the continental crust?

• Oceanic crust is thicker and less dense
• Oceanic crust is thinner and more dense
• Oceanic crust is older and more weathered
• Oceanic crust is younger and less eroded