Earth Science: Plate Tectonics and Atmosphere Quiz

Oxygen in the atmosphere exists because

• it was part of the atmosphere from the very beginning of Earth history.

• it accumulated from the continual outgassing of lavas at the surface.

• it forms due to the decomposition of minerals and rocks at the surface of the Earth.

• it accumulated as a byproduct of photosynthesis from early primitive organisms.

• none of these

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Type of boundary where sea floor spreading occurs is:

• Convergent

• Transform

• Strike Skip

• Divergent

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The difference in the continental crust versus the oceanic crust is that

• the oceanic crust is thinner and denser than the continental crust.

• the oceanic crust is thicker and denser than the continental crust.

• the continental crust is composed largely of silica-poor basalt

• the oceanic crust is plastic layer that also underlies continental crust

Which type of plate boundary produces new oceanic crust?

• the convergent boundaries

• the transform boundaries

• the divergent boundaries

• all of these

• none of these

Explain, using evidence and reasoning, why sea floor spreading is associated with divergent boundaries rather than convergent or transform boundaries.

• Divergent boundaries pull plates apart, allowing magma to rise and form new crust, while convergent and transform boundaries do not create new crust.

• Convergent boundaries are where plates move apart, creating new crust.

• Transform boundaries are the only locations where magma rises to form new crust.

• All boundaries equally contribute to sea floor spreading.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What occurs at convergent margins?

• New oceanic crust is being formed.

• Old oceanic crust is being destroyed.

• Old continental crust is being destroyed.

• Tectonic plates slide past one another.

• Tectonic plates move away from one another.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

What is the absolute age of the Earth?

• 4,550 years

• 45,500 years

• 455,000 years

• 4.55 million years

• 4.55 billion years

Which of the following statements best describes what happens at a convergent plate boundary?

• Plates move away from each other.

• Plates slide past each other.

• Old oceanic crust is destroyed as plates collide.

• New oceanic crust is formed.

If a scientist discovers a rock that is 4.55 billion years old, what can they infer about the rock's relationship to Earth's history?

• The rock is older than the Earth.

• The rock formed at the same time as the Earth.

• The rock is much younger than the Earth.

• The rock is from another planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Why is the destruction of old oceanic crust at convergent margins important for the Earth's geological cycle?

• It prevents the Earth from growing larger.

• It recycles materials back into the mantle.

• It creates new mountain ranges.

• It causes earthquakes only.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1