OpenSciEd

The oldest rock formation identified on Earth is found on the shoreline of Hudson Bay in Canada. This rock formed 4.28 billion years ago. What information does a scientist need to more accurately determine the age of a rock?

• A. the percentage of each mineral that makes up the rock

• B. the thickness of younger rock layers that cover the rock

• C. the amount of each radioactive element present in the rock

• D. the amount of weathering present on the surface of the rock

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

Rocks formed through geological processes can be broken down over time. Water that seeps into cracks in the rock can freeze and expand, splitting open the rock. Which of these geological changes occurs when the ground temperature of an area experiences a daily freeze and thaw cycle?

• A. The area experiences less frequent landslides.

• B. The area experiences a reduced rate of rock erosion.

• C. The area experiences a greater amount of weathering.

• D. The area experiences an increased pace of tectonic plate movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Why is the principle of superposition important to geologists who are trying to understand the evolution of Earth over time?

• A. It describes the evolution of rocks as they go through the rock cycle.

• B. It indicates the relative ages of rock layers and the fossils in them.

• C. It describes the evolution sequence as rocks are laid down side by side.

• D. It states that the composition of rock remains the same throughout the different geological periods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Antarctica is the coldest, driest continent on Earth, and only a few species survive its harsh elements. Yet scientists have found fossils of green fern plants in Antarctica. Based on these findings, which of these is the best conclusion?

• A. The climate of Antarctica changed over time.

• B. The location of Antarctica has always been at the South Pole.

• C. These fossils are of an organism that adapted in Antarctica over time.

• D. This species could currently exist in Antarctica if there was less competition.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Volcanic eruptions cause immediate environmental changes to an area, but they can also cause long term changes.

Volcanic eruptions can change the geology of a region, but these changes happen slowly over a long period of time. Which of these events is an example of a slow geological change caused by volcanic eruptions?

• A. decrease in sunlight resulting from volcanic eruptions

• B. flooding of land caused by underwater volcanic eruptions

• C. displacement of people and wildlife after volcanic eruptions

• D. building of an island from cooling magma following volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The Himalayan mountain range stretches 2900 kilometers between India and Tibet. The Himalayas contain many of the highest mountains on Earth. Which of these geological processes caused the formation of the Himalayas? A. plate collision B. volcanic activity C. accumulation of sediments D. chemical and physical weathering

• A. plate collision

• B. volcanic activity

• C. accumulation of sediments

• D. chemical and physical weathering

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1