Geology Quiz

What is the primary mechanism driving the movement of tectonic plates on Earth's surface? Mark only one oval.

• Ocean currents

• Gravitational pull from the moon

• Mantle convection

• Wind patterns

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What causes the convection currents in the Earth's mantle? Mark only one oval.

• Differences in temperature and density

• Earth's rotation

• Magnetic field interactions

• Solar radiation

Which process is represented by this diagram? The diagram below represents a process that occurs within Earth’s mantle. What process is represented by this diagram? Mark only one oval.

• Rotation

• Conduction

• Radiation

• Convection

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which process is the most significant contributor to the generation of internal heat within the Earth, and how does it affect mantle convection? Mark only one oval.

• Gravitational compression during Earth's formation; it creates convection currents by increasing pressure in the mantle.

• Frictional heating from tectonic plate movement; it directly powers mantle convection by increasing the temperature at plate boundaries.

• Radioactive decay of unstable isotopes such as uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40; it generates heat that drives mantle convection and influences plate tectonics.

• Heat from the Earth's core resulting from residual formation energy; it directly heats the mantle, leading to convection currents without the need for radioactive decay.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Which statement accurately describes the differences in density and temperature between Earth's layers, and how these differences affect geological processes? Mark only one oval.

• The crust has the highest density and lowest temperature, leading to the formation of mountains through isostatic adjustment.

• The mantle has a uniform density and temperature throughout, resulting in consistent rates of plate movement and volcanic activity.

• The outer core is less dense than the mantle but hotter, driving the Earth's magnetic field through the movement of molten iron.

• The inner core is the most dense and hottest layer, creating convection currents in the mantle that drive plate tectonics.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

When plate tectonics move, they can form different landforms. Which is LEAST likely to be associated with tectonic plate movement that forms volcanoes? Mark only one oval.

• Hot spot

• Rift valley

• Subduction zone

• Transform boundary

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the primary difference between P-waves and S-waves? Mark only one oval.

• P-waves travel only through liquids, while S-waves travel only through solids.

• P-waves are slower than S-waves and can move through both solids and liquids, while S-waves are faster and only travel through solids.

• P-waves travel faster than S-waves and can move through both solids and liquids, while S-waves are slower and only travel through solids.

• P-waves and S-waves travel at the same speed but through different materials.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

How does a seismograph help triangulate the location of an earthquake? Mark only one oval.

• By measuring the intensity of seismic waves at different depths within the Earth.

• By detecting changes in magnetic fields caused by seismic activity.

• By recording the arrival times of P-waves and S-waves at different seismograph stations.

• By analyzing the chemical composition of rocks near the earthquake epicenter.

Where are most volcanoes located? Mark only one oval.

• At divergent boundaries, transform boundaries and hot spots

• At convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries and hot spots

• At convergent boundaries, hot spots and transform boundaries

• At divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries and transform boundaries

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

At which type of plate boundary would you most likely find a deep-sea trench? Mark only one oval.

• Convergent boundary (oceanic-oceanic)

• Convergent boundary (oceanic-continental)

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary