Earth Materials

All Earth processes are the result of energy flowing and matter cycling within and among the planet’s systems. Where does the energy for all Earth processes come from?

Answer explanation

The Sun and Earth’s hot interior

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Explain how the crystals of an igneous rock are used to help classify it.

Answer explanation

The crystals of an igneous rock are evidence of how the rock formed. The crystals are a result of melted rock that cooled.

Which processes led to the formation of the distorted, wavy patterns found in metamorphic rocks?

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rocks are formed from other rocks by extreme heat and pressure.

Four cycles found in the Earth systems are the Nitrogen cycle, the Rock cycle, the Water cycle, and the Carbon cycle. Why are these considered cycles?

Answer explanation

Cycles never end. They repeat over and over again.

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How do the processes of weathering and erosion compare?

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into sediments. Erosion is the movement of these sediments to another place.

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How can an igneous rock be transformed into a metamorphic rock?

Answer explanation

When igneous rocks are pushed under the Earth’s surface and undergo temperature and pressure changes, they transform into metamorphic rocks.

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Which of the following processes is driven by the energy from Earth’s interior?

• Melting of rock

• Beach erosion

• Photosynthesis

• Decomposition

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Which of the following describes the most accurate way students can model how Earth’s surface is changed by a natural process?

• Placing rocks in a  container of water to observe how the level of water in the container rises

• Freezing different volumes of water to determine the length of time needed for it to become solid

• Heating water until it reaches the boiling point while measuring the temperature

• Pouring water over sand in a container on an incline so that it is carried and deposited at the bottom

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Crystallization is a significant process in the development of which type of rock?

• Metamorphic

• Sedimentary

• Igneous

• Deposited

To be complete and accurate, a model of how material is cycled on Earth would need to include all of the following EXCEPT–

• Heat from Earth’s interior

• Position and motion of Earth

• Radiation from the Sun

• Movement of air, water, and rock

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