Dynamic Planet Review: Tectonics, Drift, Seafloor spreading

1. The primary cause of convection currents in the Earth's mantle is believed to be the

• A) rotation of the Earth
• B) subsidence of the crust
• C) occurence of earthquakes
• D) differences in densities of earth materials

2. Igneous rock along oceanic ridges is younger than the igneous rock farther from the ridges. This evidence supports the theory that

• A) the ocean floor is stable
• B) volcanoes one existed on both sides of the oceanic ridges
• C) the ocean floor is spreading
• D) oceanic ridges are ares of subsidence

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

3. Which graph best shows the relative age of the ocean-floor bedrock from location B to location C?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

4. The hottest crustal temperature measurements would most likely be found at which location?

• A
• B
• C
• D

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

5. Which table best shows the relative densities of the crustal bedrock at locations A, B, C, and D?

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6. Which observation provides the strongest evidence for the inference that convection cells exist within the Earth's mantle?

• A) Displaced rock strata are usually accompanied by earthquakes and volcanoes.
• B) Sea level has varied in the past.
• C) Heat-flow readings vary at different locations in the Earth's crust.
• D) Marine fossils are found at elevations high above sea level.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

7. Studies of earthquake waves have helped scientists determine the

• structure of Earth’s interior
• depth of the oceans
• cause of dinosaur extinction
• age of Earth

8. Which statement best explains why these freshwater Mesosaurus fossils are found today in some rock layers in both South America and Africa?

• (1) Mesosaurus swam across the ocean between the continents.
• (2) The continents were once connected as a single landmass.
• (3) Global warming has been raising the sea level in the Atlantic Ocean.
• (4) The remains of Mesosaurus were carried across the ocean by predators.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

9. According to the "Inferred Position of Earth Landmasses"information shown in the Earth Science Reference Tables, on what other landmass would you most likely find fossil remains of the late Paleozoic reptile called Mesosaurus shown below?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

10. Which evidence does not support the theory that Africa and South America were once part of the same large continent?

• A) correlation of coastlines on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean
• B) correlation of living animals on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean
• C) correlation of rocks on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean
• D) correlation of fossils on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1