EES Unit 2 Review

A team of geologists are studying Earth's layers to understand how the differences in density and temperature influence geological processes. They develop a model to illustrate how these differences drive mantle convection and tectonic plate movements. Based on the geologists' model, which of the following best explains the primary source of heat that drives mantle convection?

• Radioactive decay in the Earth's core

• Heat from the sun

• Friction from tectonic plates

• Heat from volcanic activity

Answer explanation

The primary source of heat driving mantle convection is radioactive decay in the Earth's core. This process generates significant heat, which influences temperature differences and drives geological activities, unlike the other options.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The heat that drives mantle convection comes from which source?

• The heat that drives mantle convection comes from the sun and is absorbed by Earth's surface.

• The primary source of heat for mantle convection is the radioactive decay of unstable isotopes in the crust and mantle, which causes density-driven motions.

• Friction from tectonic plate collisions, due to varying densities, generates heat that drives mantle convection.

• Heat from the inner core spreads outward through the mantle, driving mantle convection and tectonic plate movements.

Answer explanation

The primary source of heat for mantle convection is the radioactive decay of unstable isotopes in the crust and mantle. This process generates heat, leading to density-driven motions that drive mantle convection.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The following table contains information on landforms. Which can be inferred from the information in the chart about boundaries?

• Trenches form at divergent boundaries.

• Underwater ridges form at transform boundaries.

• Faults form only at convergent boundaries.

• Mountain ranges form at convergent boundaries.

Answer explanation

Mountain ranges form at convergent boundaries due to the collision of tectonic plates, which causes the land to uplift. This is a well-established geological principle, unlike the other statements which are incorrect.

The diagram shows a cross-section of Earth. Which of the following should be added to the diagram?

• Arrows pointing down from location 1 to location 3

• A label of convection currents pushing the continental crust at location

• Arrow heads to the two circles to show currents moving upward to location 1

• A label indicating the composition of the inner core as solid iron and nickel

Answer explanation

The correct choice is to add arrow heads to the two circles, indicating that currents are moving upward to location 1. This visually represents the convection currents that drive tectonic plate movements.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which statement best describes the boundary where two oceanic plates collide, and how this interaction influences geological features?

• One plate moves under the other, forming a deep sea trench with a mountain chain of volcanoes

• The plates push each other downward, forming deep ocean trenches as the plates move far into the mantle.

• The plates push each other upward, forming a mid-ocean ridge surrounded by some of the highest mountain peaks on Earth.

• The plates crumble and pile up as they move toward each other, forming low-lying mountains characterized by jagged rock formations.

Answer explanation

When two oceanic plates collide, one plate subducts beneath the other, creating a deep sea trench and leading to volcanic activity, which forms a chain of volcanoes. This accurately describes the geological features resulting from such interactions.

Which plate boundary is correctly matched with its associated geological activity?

• A. Divergent boundary: frequent earthquakes but no volcanic activity

• B. Convergent boundary: both volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes

• C. Transform boundary: formation of mid-ocean ridges

• D. Divergent boundary: formation of deep ocean trenches

Answer explanation

B is correct because convergent boundaries are associated with both volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes due to the subduction of one plate beneath another, leading to intense geological activity.

Gloria is studying earthquakes and volcanoes and where they occur. The dark lines in the map show tectonic plate boundaries. The numbers indicate locations where people could live if Gloria wanted to live where there were few earthquakes and volcanoes. Which location should she choose?

• A. 1

• B. 2

• C. 3

• D. 4

Answer explanation

Location D. 4 is the best choice as it is situated away from the tectonic plate boundaries, indicating fewer earthquakes and volcanoes compared to the other locations marked by numbers 1, 2, and 3.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Using the seismograph data provided, which of the following correctly identify the arrival times for the P and S waves?

• The P wave arrives at 120 seconds and the S wave arrives at 240 seconds.

• The P wave arrives at 0 seconds, and the S waves arrives at 60 seconds.

• The P wave arrives at 0 seconds, and the S wave arrives at 120 seconds.

• The P wave arrives at 60 seconds, and the S wave arrives at 180 seconds.

Answer explanation

The correct choice identifies the P wave arriving at 0 seconds, which is typical as it is the fastest wave, followed by the S wave at 60 seconds, consistent with seismograph data showing P waves arriving before S waves.

Students are analyzing a map of tectonic plates to predict the locations of volcanoes. Based on their analysis, where are most volcanoes located?

• Along convergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates collide.

• In the middle of tectonic plates, away from any boundaries.

• At transform plate boundaries, where tectonic plates slide past each other.

• Randomly distributed across Earth's surface without relation to plate boundaries.

Answer explanation

Most volcanoes are located along convergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates collide. This interaction causes magma to rise, leading to volcanic activity, unlike other locations which have less volcanic formation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A geologist is studying the San Andreas Fault, a major fault line in California. The geologist notes that this fault is responsible for significant earthquakes in the region and is particularly interested in understanding the cause of the fault and the boundary type associated with it. Which type of plate boundary and geological process is primarily responsible for the formation of the San Andreas Fault, and how does this influence the topography of the surrounding area?

• The San Andreas Fault is caused by a convergent boundary where two plates are moving towards each other, resulting in the uplift of mountain ranges and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

• The San Andreas Fault is caused by a divergent boundary where two plates are moving away from each other, leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

• The San Andreas Fault is caused by a transform boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to significant earthquake activity and creation of features like roads and rivers.

• The San Andreas Fault is caused by a subduction zone where one plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the creation of volcanic mountain ranges.

Answer explanation

The San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary where two plates slide past each other. This movement causes significant earthquakes and influences the topography by creating features like offset roads and rivers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2