Plate Tectonics

In which of Earth's layers are the convection currents?

• crust

• mantle

• outer core

• inner core

From least to most dense, what is the correct order of Earth's four major layers?

• mantle, crust, inner core, outer core

• crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

Which layers of the Earth make up the solid rigid layer of rock that contains the plates that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

• the crust and upper mantel

• the atmosphere and crust

The list describes one of Earth's layers.

● Composed of iron and nickel ● Contains both liquid and solid parts ● Extremely hot

What is the list describing?

• the core because weak pressure and temperature create a hot environment.

• the core because strong pressure and temperature create both liquid and solid parts.

Where do most volcanoes occur?

• deserts

• faults

• convergent boundaries

The fossils of this reptile were found only on the continents of South America and Africa. If this reptile could swim across the Atlantic Ocean, its fossils would have been found on other continents. What argument can BEST be made using this diagram?

• Earth's surface was once under water.

• Earth's continents were once closer together.

A scientist was studying layers of earth in the side of a mountain. In the lower layers, she found fossils of reindeer and polar bears. In the upper layers, she found fossils of coyotes and squirrels. Which conclusion most likely explains the different fossils?

• The climate was very cold in earlier time periods and became warmer in later time periods.

• The climate was dry in earlier time periods and became wetter in later time periods.

How is the lithosphere different from the asthenosphere?

• The lithosphere is the hard and brittle outer layer of the Earth; the asthenosphere is located below the lithosphere and is made of softer and hotter rock.

• The lithosphere is located below the asthenosphere and is made of hard brittle rock; the asthenosphere is the softer and hotter outer layer of the Earth.

Which of the following parts of Earth may act like a liquid?

• Inner core

• mantle

• outer core

Which of the following best describes subduction?

• one plate going beneath another

• one plate colliding with another