Earth Structures Test 2023

What best describes the mantle of Earth?

• a thin layer that is located on the surface

• a solid layer made of iron and nickel

• the largest layer between the crust and outer core

• the smallest layer that is made up of molten rock

A difference between the oceanic crust and the continental crust is that the oceanic crust is

• composed chiefly of sedimentary rocks.

• more dense than the continental crust.

• older than the continental crust.

• continually being created.

At which location does the movement of tectonic plates form isolated volcanic islands, such as Hawaii?

• transform boundary

• divergent boundary

• subduction zone

• hot spot

Which geologic feature most likely forms when an oceanic tectonic plate is slowly subducted beneath a continental tectonic plate?

• ocean trench

• mid-ocean ridge

• continental hot spot

• continental rift valley

An earthquake occurs in western Nevada. What most likely causes the earthquake?

• stress due to the movement of Earth’s crustal plates

• gravitational variation due to the Moon’s orbit around Earth

• temperature variation due to Earth’s orbit around the Sun

• rotational imbalance due to changes in the location of Earth’s poles

What causes the tectonic plates of Earth to continually move?

• convection currents in the mantle

• volcanic and seismic activity in the crust

• strong winds and storms

• rotation of the solid core

Two continental crusts are pulling away from each other to form an ocean. What caused this to occur?

• the ocean forcing the plates apart slowly.

• the ocean forcing the plates apart rapidly.

• convection in the mantle dragging apart the plates slowly.

• convection in the mantle dragging apart the plates rapidly.

convection in the mantle dragging apart the plates rapidly.

• 1 – continental crust, 2 – mantle, 3 – oceanic crust

• 1 – mantle, 2 – oceanic crust, 3 – continental crust

• 1 – oceanic crust, 2 – mantle, 3 – continental crust

• 1 – continental crust, 2 – oceanic crust, 3 – mantle

Earthquakes are vibrations of Earth’s crust. What device is used to measure the size of an earthquake?

• barometer

• Doppler radar

• depth scale

• seismograph

A satellite image can help scientists locate the area where two plates have diverged by showing the existence of

• plateaus.

• mountains

• rift valleys.

• grassy plains.