Earth Science Quiz

What is the source of energy that drives Earth's plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions?

• tidal energy from Earth's oceans

• heat energy from Earth's molten layers

• magnetic energy from Earth's magnetic field

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Based on the information provided in the graphic, what can you conclude about the motion of the plates and how the land will be changed?

• The two tectonic plates are sliding past each other horizontally along Earth's surface.

• The two tectonic plates are moving apart to create a mid-ocean ridge on the sea floor.

• The two tectonic plates are converging so that a mountain range forms on the continent.

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How could the law of superposition help the geologist determine how old the layer of rock is?

• by measuring the radioactive decay of radioactive elements present in the sediment

• by recognizing that the layers below it are older and that the layers above it are younger

• by classifying fossils from a particular time period in history and recognizing rock layers without fossils as the oldest

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Why are volcanoes so common in mountain ranges such as the Andes?

• The Andes absorb more solar radiation and create the heat necessary to form lava.

• The Andes are located largely in rainforests where the hot climate supports volcano formation.

• The Andes are in a region where a crustal plate is moving under another plate, which causes volcano formation.

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Which of these BEST describes the lithosphere?

• The lithosphere is made of rock that is cooler and easily changed.

• The lithosphere is made of rock that is highly compressed and very hot.

• The lithosphere is made of rock that is hotter and stronger than the other layers.

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Fossils of the same plants and animals species have been found on continents that are separated by the Atlantic Ocean. Which of the following claims does this evidence support?

• The Atlantic Ocean was once a large body of freshwater

• The continents that are now separated by the Atlantic Ocean have the same kinds of organisms today as they did millions of years ago

• The continents that are now separated by the Atlantic Ocean once formed a single landmass

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Volcanoes often form at convergent plate boundaries. Which set of arrows represents a convergent plate boundary?

• 
• 
• 
• 

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Which type of plate boundaries should the students study in order to understand seafloor spreading?

• an area where one crustal plate slides underneath another crustal plate

• an area where two crustal plates pull away from each other

• an area where two crustal plates collide, creating upthrust

What type of heat transfer takes place in the mantle?

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

Is Carla correct in her conclusion that the coastline of Florida is always changing?

• Yes, water erodes the coastlines with the changes in tides and sea levels.

• Yes, gravity erodes the coastlines as the moon orbits the Earth.

• No, the wind builds up dunes to stop changes in the coastline

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