U2 Geosphere Test

Read the passage and answer the question below: The Movement of Matter Inside Earth Matter inside Earth is continuously moving due to tremendous pressure. The pressure is caused by gravitational pull. This pressure creates heat which drives convection. The image shows the process of convection in Earth's mantle. Radioactive decay provides the main source of heat inside Earth. The heat left over after the formation of the Earth and heat from friction are other sources. This heat makes the matter inside the mantle move. The movement of matter is dependent on the density and temperature of the material. Convection in Earth's mantle is driven by heat. In this process, hotter material rises while cooler material sinks to the mantle. A convection current forms when the cooler material is heated in the mantle and begins to rise again. These currents cause the movement of the tectonic plates that make up Earth's crust. The ways plates interact with each other creates much of Earth's varying topography. Electric currents due to the motion of convection currents also give rise to Earth's magnetic field, which extends from Earth's interior into space. Which TWO statements about Earth’s interior and movement of matter are correct? Pick up to 5 answers.

• The distribution of density is the same throughout Earth's layers.

• The radioactive decay of elements in Earth's core releases heat energy.

• The Sun is the source of thermal energy for convection currents inside Earth.

• The movement of continents to their current position is due to convection currents.

• There is no correlation between tectonic plate movement and flow of matter in the mantle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

A student claims that the convection currents inside the mantle are similar to the movement of water in a beaker kept on a hot stove. Based on the analogy, select the image that correctly represents the movement of water.

• Image 1

• Image 2

• Image 3

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The image shows the flow of matter in the mantle. Which region of the mantle has the highest temperature?

• Region A

• Region B

• Region C

• Region D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What has to be present in order for metamorphic rocks to form?

• melting and cooling

• heat and pressure

• weathering and erosion

• compaction and sedimentation

Which BEST describes the matter in Earth's interior?

• Hot matter in the mantle is less dense than cold matter

• Cold matter in the mantle is less dense than hot matter

• Hot matter in the inner core is heavier than cold matter

• Cold matter in the inner core is heavier than hot matter

Which BEST describes the impacts of a volcanic eruption on the carbon cycle?

• A volcanic eruption prevents the carbon cycle from occurring.

• A volcanic eruption decreases the amount of carbon in the geosphere.

• A volcanic eruption increases the amount of carbon in the atmosphere.

• A volcanic eruption increases the number of other elements involved in the carbon cycle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

The two graphics show processes which change the surface of Earth. Which best describes the processes in the graphics?

• Graphic X shows sediment being moved through erosion, and graphic Y shows rocks being broken down through deposition.

• Graphic X shows rocks being broken down through weathering, and graphic Y shows sediment being moved through erosion.

• Graphic X shows rocks being broken down through deposition, and graphic Y shows sediment being moved through weathering.

• Graphic X shows sediment being moved through weathering, and graphic Y shows rocks being broken down through sedimentation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The image shows a cross-section of a tectonic plate boundary. How does tectonic plate movement cause a volcano to form at this type of boundary?

• When a tectonic plate collides with another tectonic plate of the same density, the rocky crust is pushed upward.

• When a tectonic plate slides against another tectonic plate, released energy travels through the rocky crust in waves.

• When a tectonic plate moves away from another tectonic plate, hot magma rises through the cool crust to form new crust.

• When a tectonic plate moves under another tectonic plate, the rocky crust melts, which causes hot magma to rise to the surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

How do internal and surface processes contribute to the formation of Earth's land features? ( choose the correct statement)

• Internal processes like volcanic activity and tectonic movements shape the land.

• Surface processes such as erosion and weathering do not affect land formation.

• Only human activities contribute to the formation of Earth's land features.

• The formation of Earth's land features is solely due to surface processes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The Andes Mountains along the western coast of South America formed at an oceanic-continental convergence. At this boundary, the Nazca plate collides with the South American plate. Whale fossils have been discovered in this mountain range at elevations greater than 5,000 feet. Use the information shown in the picture to choose one of the following answer choices that BEST describes the reasons behind this fossil location.

• The sea level in this region used to be significantly higher than it is now; at that time, this mountain range was under water.

• The movement of the Nazca plate under the South American plate caused the sea floor to lift, bringing oceanic fossils up with it.

• The collision of the Nazca and South American plates forced fossils off of the ocean floor underground; volcanic activity then brought the fossils to the surface.

• Continuous coastal erosion along the South American plate revealed the whale fossils as the process removed softer ground and left behind the rocky Andes Mountains.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3