Earth's Changing Surface and Energy Flow

How do tectonic plate movements contribute to the formation of mountains over millions of years?

• By causing erosion that wears down existing landforms

• By colliding and pushing the Earth's crust upwards

• By creating large bodies of water that deposit sediment

• By increasing volcanic activity that melts the crust

Which of the following best describes the process of the rock cycle?

• Rocks are formed only through volcanic activity

• Rocks change from one type to another through various Earth processes

• Rocks remain unchanged over time

• Rocks are only formed from sedimentary processes

Explain how the process of weathering and erosion can lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks.

• Weathering and erosion break down rocks into smaller particles that are compacted and cemented over time

• Weathering and erosion melt rocks into magma, which then cools to form sedimentary rocks

• Weathering and erosion cause rocks to sink into the mantle, where they are transformed into sedimentary rocks

• Weathering and erosion create high pressure that turns rocks into sedimentary rocks

What role does the Sun play in the cycling of Earth's materials?

• It provides energy that drives the water cycle, which contributes to weathering and erosion

• It directly transforms rocks into magma

• It causes tectonic plates to move

• It creates magnetic fields that protect the Earth

How can volcanic eruptions change Earth's surface over time?

• By depositing ash and lava that create new landforms

• By causing immediate erosion of existing landforms

• By cooling the Earth's core

• By increasing the Earth's gravitational pull

Which of the following processes is responsible for the formation of igneous rocks?

• Melting and solidification of magma or lava

• Compaction and cementation of sediments

• High pressure and temperature without melting

• Weathering and erosion of existing rocks

Describe how the movement of Earth's tectonic plates can lead to earthquakes.

• Plates move apart, creating space for new crust to form

• Plates slide past each other, causing stress to build up and release as seismic waves

• Plates move towards each other, causing them to sink into the mantle

• Plates remain stationary, causing pressure to build up

What is the primary source of energy that drives the rock cycle?

• The Earth's core

• The Sun

• The Moon

• Ocean currents

How does the rotation of Earth's core affect the planet?

• It creates the magnetic field that protects Earth from solar radiation

• It causes the Earth to rotate faster

• It increases the Earth's gravitational pull

• It causes the Earth's surface to expand

Which process is involved in the transformation of sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock?

• Melting and cooling

• High pressure and temperature

• Weathering and erosion

• Compaction and cementation