Geology and Biogeochemistry

What is the thin layer of relatively cold rock that forms the outer layer of the Earth (both on land and in the ocean)?

• crust

• mantle

• core

• asthenosphere

What is the layer beneath the crust, composed of very hot but mostly solid rock?

• mantle

• core

• crust

• lithosphere

Which is the layer at the center of the Earth that is made of molten and solid metal?

• core

• mantle

• crust

• lithosphere

Fill in the blank: A ________ is a large plate of the lithosphere that moves slowly on the Earth's surface. (There are 15 of them)

• tectonic plate

• continental drift

• ocean ridge

• seismic wave

Fill in the blank: A ________ results from collisions and separations of tectonic plates, such as mountains, islands, and continents.

• landform

• ocean

• river

• forest

Fill in the blank: ________ is the deposition of eroded soil in a new location.

• Deposit

• Erosion

• Weathering

• Sedimentation

Fill in the blank: ________ is the wearing away of soil by water, wind, or other elements.

• Erosion

• Deposit

• Sedimentation

• Compaction

What is the process called that involves the conversion of water from liquid to gas? (a)  

• Transpiration

• Evaporation

• Precipitation

• Condensation

What is the release of water vapor by plant leaves called?

• Evaporation

• Condensation

• Transpiration

• Precipitation

What term describes the water that returns from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface by rain or snow?

• Condensation

• Precipitation

• Transpiration

• Evaporation