Theory of Plate Tectonics/Earth's Layers/Heat Flow /Models/Theor

The three compositional layers of Earth are the core, the mantle, and the crust.

Which phrase best describes the crust?

• the innermost layer of Earth's interior below the mantle

• the thin and solid outermost layer of Earth

• the hot, slow flowing layer of Earth's interior above the core

• the layer of Earth on which the tectonic plates move

Earth can be divided into three layers: the core, the mantle, and the crust.

How are these three layers identified?

• by their plate tectonics

• by their structural features

• by their physical properties

• by their chemical composition

Convection currents occur in which of Earth's layers?

• crust

• mantle

• lithosphere

• solid core

What is a result of this collision?

• volcanoes erupt periodically

• the Tibetan Plateau slowly sinks

• glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau melt

• the Himalayas increase in height each year

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Interactions between layers of Earth cause convection currents to move crustal plates. In which layer of Earth are the convection currents that directly result in tectonic plate motion found?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Earth’s temperature increases with depth.

Which of the following is a result of the motion of materials caused by high temperatures in Earth’s mantle?

• earthquakes and volcanoes

• radioactive atoms in minerals

• ocean tides

• erosion and deposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Modern day Africa and the Eurasian continent are separated from the North American continent by an ocean that has been growing in width for 250 million years.  This is evidence that which tectonic process is taking place at the boundary between the tectonic plates that these continents occupy?

• earthquake activity

• volcanic eruptions

• mountain building

• seafloor spreading

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The illustration shows the Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean. Convection currents are circular currents that form as heated fluids become less dense, rise, cool and then fall again.  One place these currents form is in Earth's mantle.  These currents carry heat from the interior of Earth toward its surface.  What is the relationship between the convection currents in the mantle and the formations shown on the map?

• the formations are located over areas where the mantle is cooling and sinking

• the formations are located over areas where the mantle is cooling and rising

• the formations are located over areas where the mantle is warming and rising

• the formations are located over areas where the mantle is warming and sinking

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The illustration shows the Ring of Fire surrounding the Pacific Ocean. What claim can be made about the Ring of Fire area?

• eventually, all of the volcanoes will become extinct

• new plates will form in the areas under the old ones

• repeated eruptions cause the plates to change direction

• additional volcanoes might form as the plates move

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What conclusion can be made from these data?

• this part of the world is prone to repeated movements of tectonic plates

• the large number of volcanic eruptions in this area is causing the movement of the plates

• the late 1990s produced more tectonic plate movement than other periods of time

• this area experienced no movement of the tectonic plates in the year 2000

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3