#16 Quizizz: Exploring Earth's Dynamic Layers

Austin and Keila are studying the Earth in their geography class. They are trying to determine which layer of the Earth is responsible for the movement of tectonic plates. Can you help them?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Outer Core

• Inner Core

Answer explanation

The mantle is the layer of the Earth responsible for the movement of tectonic plates. It contains convection currents that drive the plates on the crust above, making it the key layer in plate tectonics.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Weston and Bibi are working on a project about the theory of continental drift. Evaluate the evidence supporting the theory and identify which type of evidence was crucial in Alfred Wegener's hypothesis.

• Fossil evidence

• Ocean floor mapping

• Satellite imagery

• Seismic activity

Answer explanation

Fossil evidence was crucial in Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift, as similar fossils found on widely separated continents suggested they were once connected, supporting the idea of moving landmasses.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

During a field trip, Zoey and Amare are examining rock formations. Using your understanding of stratigraphy, determine how they can use rock layers to understand Earth's history.

• By examining the color of rocks

• By analyzing the sequence and position of rock layers

• By measuring the temperature of rocks

• By observing the size of rocks

Answer explanation

Scientists analyze the sequence and position of rock layers, known as stratigraphy, to reconstruct Earth's history. This method reveals the relative ages of rocks and the events that shaped the planet over time.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

During a science class, Lyriq and Marco were discussing the role of convection currents in the mantle. How do these currents contribute to the movement of tectonic plates?

• They cause the Earth's rotation.

• They create magnetic fields.

• They drive the movement of tectonic plates.

• They stabilize the Earth's temperature.

Answer explanation

Convection currents in the mantle create movement in the semi-fluid rock, which in turn drives the tectonic plates above. This process is essential for plate tectonics, leading to phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

During a geography class, Zoey and Amare were discussing how the breakup of Pangea has influenced the current distribution of continents. Analyze their discussion.

• It caused the continents to merge into a single landmass.

• It led to the formation of the Pacific Ocean.

• It resulted in the continents drifting to their present positions.

• It had no impact on the current distribution of continents.

Answer explanation

The breakup of Pangea caused the continents to drift apart over millions of years, leading to their current positions. This tectonic activity shaped the geographical layout we see today.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Malina and Zoey are studying the impact of plate tectonics on the formation of mountain ranges. Discuss their findings.

• Mountain ranges form due to erosion.

• Mountain ranges form when tectonic plates collide.

• Mountain ranges form from volcanic activity alone.

• Mountain ranges form due to the Earth's rotation.

Answer explanation

Mountain ranges primarily form when tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold and uplift. This process, known as orogeny, is responsible for the creation of many major mountain ranges, unlike erosion or volcanic activity alone.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

During a geology class, Zaniya and Austin are discussing the role of subduction zones in the recycling of Earth's crust. Evaluate their discussion.

• Subduction zones create new crust.

• Subduction zones are areas where crust is destroyed and recycled.

• Subduction zones are stable and unchanging.

• Subduction zones prevent earthquakes.

Answer explanation

Subduction zones are crucial for recycling Earth's crust as they are regions where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to the destruction of crust. This process allows for the recycling of materials back into the mantle.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Bradley and Austin are studying the relationship between earthquakes and plate boundaries.

• Earthquakes only occur in the middle of tectonic plates.

• Earthquakes are most common at plate boundaries.

• Earthquakes are unrelated to plate tectonics.

• Earthquakes occur only in volcanic regions.

Answer explanation

Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of tectonic plates, making them most common at plate boundaries where these interactions occur. The other options incorrectly suggest locations or conditions unrelated to plate tectonics.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Evlyn and Keila are studying geological and fossil records to evaluate the evidence for the existence of Pangea. What conclusion can they draw?

• Pangea is a myth with no scientific evidence.

• Similar rock formations and fossils found on different continents support Pangea's existence.

• Pangea was only a theory with no supporting evidence.

• Pangea's existence is supported by the current shape of continents alone.

Answer explanation

The evidence for Pangea includes similar rock formations and fossils found on different continents, indicating they were once connected. This supports the idea of a supercontinent rather than it being a myth or unsupported theory.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

During a geography class, Evlyn and Jax were discussing how volcanic activity is related to the movement of tectonic plates. Can you analyze their discussion?

• Volcanic activity is unrelated to tectonic plates.

• Volcanic activity often occurs at plate boundaries where plates diverge or converge.

• Volcanic activity only occurs in the middle of tectonic plates.

• Volcanic activity is caused by the Earth's magnetic field.

Answer explanation

Volcanic activity is closely linked to tectonic plate movement, as it typically occurs at plate boundaries where plates diverge or converge, allowing magma to reach the surface.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking