Which of the following most accurately describes the process that is occurring in the diagram below?

• Heat from earth’s core powers convection currents in the mantle, pushing lithospheric plates on earth’s crust.

• Heat from earth’s surface powers atmospheric convection, causing ocean currents and plate tectonic movement.

• Heat from earth’s core is powered by fusion reactions, causing plate tectonic movement.

• Subduction zones force cool magma into earth’s mantle, causing convection currents to form.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The Earth contains four layers: crust, mantle, inner core and outer core. Which of the following best describes how Earth’s density and temperature influences convection?

• The crust is the densest and hottest layer and provides energy for convection.

• The mantle is the densest and hottest layer which provides energy for convection.

• The core is the densest and hottest layer which provides energy for convection.

• The density and temperature are constant throughout all layers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The concept of mantle convection is most closely related to which of the following physical processes?

• The circulatory system of the human body.

• The generation of electricity through solar panels.

• A cool sea breeze is blown onto land where it warms and rises.

• A greenhouse traps light energy making it warmer than the surrounding environment.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

On a map, there are indications of convergent boundaries between tectonic plates. Which of the following would not be found at this location?

• Mountain ranges

• Deep ocean trenches

• Mid-ocean ridges

• Volcanic islands

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Based on historical data, which region is most likely to experience frequent earthquakes?

• Regions located along convergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates collide, are most likely to experience frequent earthquakes.

• Earthquake frequency is higher in regions near transform plate boundaries, where tectonic plates slide past each other.

• Areas on divergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates move away from each other, have a higher likelihood of experiencing frequent earthquakes.

• The frequency of earthquakes is random and unrelated to tectonic activity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What does the data in the table suggest about the magnitude of earthquakes in Region W compared to the other Regions?

• Earthquakes in Region W have the highest magnitudes.

• Earthquakes in Region W have the lowest magnitudes.

Earthquakes are represented by the gray dots. According to the map, which location would be the most likely place for the fault line to exist in North Carolina?

• East of Raleigh

• South of Raleigh

• North of Charlotte

• West of Charlotte

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The Pacific Ring of Fire is an area of incredibly active volcanoes on Earth. Which statement most accurately explains why the Ring of Fire contains so many active volcanoes?

• The Ring of Fire is along convergent plate boundaries, leading to volcanic activity.

• The Ring of Fire has hot spots that form active volcanoes.

• Mantle convection generates sea-floor spreading, forming the Ring of Fire.

• Transform plate boundaries are powered by convection currents, causing volcanic activity.

How do plate tectonics primarily influence topography?

• By regulating the Earth's magnetic field and atmospheric circulation patterns.

• By controlling the distribution of ocean currents.

• By controlling the distribution of climate zones.

• By determining the location of mountain ranges and the formation of landforms.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

This image below depicts the subduction of the Nazca Plate below the South American Plate. Which mechanisms are represented by this model to cause the Andes Mountains?

• Mantle convection leads to the subduction of oceanic crust beneath continental crust, leading to the formation of volcanoes.

• Mantle convection causes the divergence of tectonic plates, leading to the formation of new crust.

• Mantle convection causes the uplift of oceanic crust, resulting in the formation of new land.

• Mantle convection does not influence the creation of new oceanic crust.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2