Earth Layers and Climate Review

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

• inner core

• crust

• outer core

• lithosphere

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

• crust, outer core, inner core, mantle

  This is the result of incorrectly thinking the mantle is the densest layer of Earth. 

• inner core, outer core, mantle, crust

  This is the result of incorrectly thinking the density decreases going towards the center of Earth. 

• crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

  This is correct. The density of each layer increases going towards the center of Earth. 

• mantle, inner core, outer core, and crust

  This is the result of incorrectly thinking the mantle is the least dense layer of Earth and the crust is the most dense. 

Which statement best describes Layer 3 and Layer 5?

• Layer 3 is the crust and Layer 5 is the mantle; both layers are hotter than Layer 1.

• Layer 3 is the mantle and Layer 5 is the crust; both layers are hotter than Layer 1.

• Layer 3 is the mantle and Layer 5 is the crust; both layers are cooler than Layer 1.

• Layer 3 is the crust and Layer 5 is the mantle; both layers are cooler than Layer 1.

Which of the following properties of minerals is described with the Mohs scale?

• luster

• fracture

• fluorescence

• hardness

Mr. Adinyira is teaching his students the differences between rocks and minerals. Which table should Mr. Adinyira use to best show the differences?

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Molly and Ricky are studying soil in their science class. They perform two different soil investigations described below.

Investigation 1

1. Dig up 1 cup of soil from the school garden with a small shovel.

2. Place the soil on a white paper towel.

3. Use a hand lens to observe the soil.

4. Make a list of all the moving parts you see in the soil.

Investigation 2

1. Scoop up some soil from the school garden.

2. Place the soil in your hand.

3. Add 3 small drops of water into the soil in your hand until the soil is moist but not wet.

4. Move the moist soil around in your hand.

5. Record observations about how the soil feels (examples: gritty, smooth, sticky).

Which pair BEST identifies the evidence that could be collected by each investigation?

• Investigation 1: how much the soil can be compacted

  Investigation 2: how long it takes water to soak through the soil

  Investigation 1 is a test to observe soil parts and not soil compaction as there is no pressure added to the soil. Investigation 2 is a test to measure soil texture and not soil percolation.

• Investigation 1: how much of the same is made of clay

  Investigation 2: which organisms live in soil

  This option switches the two identifications. Investigation 1 could help identify how much is made of clay, but not as well as touching the soil. Also, Investigation 2 would be less likely to be used to see organisms than using a hand lens as many of the organisms are small.

• Investigation 1: which organisms live in the soil

  Investigation 2: how much of the sample is made of clay

  Investigation 1 provides evidence about the parts of soil, including weathered rock and organisms. Investigation 2 provides evidence about soil texture, namely whether the soil is predominately sand, silt, or clay.

• Investigation 1: how long it takes water to soak through the soil

  Investigation 2: how much the soil can be compacted

  Investigation 1 is a test to observe soil parts and not soil percolation. Investigation 2 is a test to measure soil texture and not soil compaction.

Which soil horizon sample is most likely correct?

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Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

A very dark colored soil sample is taken from the Okefenokee Swamp. What is most likely the majority of the composition of the soil?

• sand and stones

• rocks and minerals

• dust and weathered rocks

• decomposed organic matter

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Scientists have discovered fossils of corals on Devon Island at Locations 1 and 2 shown on the map. Corals are ocean organisms that can only survive in warm waters. Which claim is BEST supported by the coral fossil evidence collected by scientists on Devon Island?

• Devon Island was once part of the surrounding landmass of Canada.

  This claim is not supported by the coral fossil evidence provided. The evidence suggests something about past local water temperatures, but not about splitting apart of landmasses.

• The ocean waters surrounding Devon Island were once warmer than they are today.

  The discovery of the fossil remains of warm water-dwelling corals indicates that the environmental conditions in this area, at one time, supported marine life that inhabit warmer waters.

• Devon Island was once part of the surrounding landmass of Greenland.

  This claim is not supported by the coral fossil evidence provided. The evidence suggests something about past local water temperatures, but not about splitting apart of landmasses.

• The ocean waters surrounding Devon Island were once cooler than they are today.

  This may have been true at some point in Earth's history, but this claim is not supported by the coral fossil evidence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is the most likely reason that the bones of a Mesosaurus are found on the eastern coast of South America and on the western coast of Africa?

• flooding

• geographic isolation

• plate tectonics

• analogous structures

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1