Unit 9 Test

A seismologist plots the variation in velocity of P and S waves in different layers of the Earth during an earthquake. The information is shown in the graph.

What can be concluded from the graph?

• The layers of Earth have different densities.

• P and S waves are absorbed in the core.

• The layers of Earth do not have distinct boundaries.

• P and S waves always originate in the mantle and travel through the core.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which letter represents the location of the epicenter of the earthquake?

• P

• Q

• R

• S

Based on the table, which statement correctly describes the characteristics of Earth's layers?

• The layers of the core are the most dense.

• The layers of the mantle are the least dense.

• The crust is more dense than the layers of the mantle.

• The density of the layers of the mantle decreases as depth increases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which evidence supports the claim that the outer core is composed of a liquid?

• P-waves reach the outer core first, followed by S-waves.

• P-waves can be detected across Earth from the epicenter, while S-waves cannot.

• The outer core deflects both P-waves and S-waves.

• An earthquake generates larger amounts of P-waves than S-waves.

Review the diagram which shows the outline of two continents.

The outlines of the continents seem to correspond in shape where indicated by the arrows. Which is the best inference that can be made from this?

• The continents have similar geography and climate.

• The continents have similar weather patterns.

• The continents were once joined together in a large land mass.

• Africa contains more fossils than South America.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Appalachian Mountains were formed about 500-400 million years ago.

What caused them to change so much over time?

• They have been blown up by people mining for coal.

• They were buried under the Atlantic Ocean.

• They have experienced weathering and erosion.

• They were buried under lava by volcanic eruptions.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Examine the diagram that shows the collision of two tectonic plates with J, K, L, and M labeled.

Which description most accurately describes the nature of layers J and K?

• brittle and flowing

• plastic and rigid

• brittle and rigid

• plastic and flowing

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Where would this boundary be located?

• at faults that occur between continental plates

• at interior continental mountains between continental plates

• at mid-ocean ridges between oceanic plates

• at coastal mountains between continental and oceanic plates

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows a progression of plate movements on the Earth's surface.

What will form at the location labeled "A"?

• earthquakes

• mountain range

• new seafloor

• volcanoes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which is true according to the Plate Tectonic Theory?

• Lithospheric plates are destroyed at the mid-ocean ridges.

• Continents drift because they rest on lithospheric plates that move.

• Lithospheric plates move because of a liquid inner core.

• Lithospheric plates only form transform boundaries

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3