Geoscience Processes Lesson

Which of the following is the best example of a change to Earth's surface caused by a usually gradual process that is interrupted by a rapid event?

• An earthquake resulting from tectonic place movement

• The formation of a delta at the mouth of a river

• The creation of sediments by breaking down rocks

• A flooding of wetlands caused by a hurricane's storm sturge

Answer explanation

An earthquake is a rapid event that interrupts the gradual process of tectonic plate movement, causing significant changes to Earth's surface. This makes it the best example of the scenario described.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following changes to Earth's surface is most likely to represent the smallest scale of spae and time?

• A landslide on a mountain

• Uplift of mountain ranages

• Breakdown of rock into sediments

• Formation of a canyon

Answer explanation

A landslide on a mountain occurs rapidly and affects a small area, making it the smallest scale change in space and time compared to the other options, which involve larger geological processes.

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The data table provides information on some geologic processes. Comparing which events would provide evidence of the greatest variation in he scale of time and space?

• Earthquakes and landslies

• Delta formation and earthquakes

• Lanslides and geochemical reactions

• Geochemical reactions and delta formations.

Answer explanation

Geochemical reactions occur over varying timescales, from seconds to millions of years, while delta formations take thousands to millions of years. This contrast in time and spatial scale highlights the greatest variation compared to other events.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Which of the following land features would take the longest amount of time to change?

• Shape of a volcano

• Locations of continents

• Positions of sand dunes

• Fractures in rock formations

Answer explanation

The locations of continents change very slowly due to tectonic plate movement, taking millions of years, while other features like volcanoes, sand dunes, and rock fractures can change much more rapidly due to various geological processes.

Which of the following surface features could be caused by moving ice but not by moving water or wind?

• Transporting large boulders over many kilometers

• Smoothing and rounding of rocks of different sizes

• Carving our a canyon several kilometers long

• Movement of sedments down a mountainside

Answer explanation

Moving ice can transport large boulders over great distances due to its density and strength, a process not typically seen with water or wind. Other options involve processes that can occur with all three agents.

Which of the following describes a large-scale geoscience event?

• A small landslide affecting a single hillside

• A minor volcanic eruption forming a lava plateau

• The 2011 earthquake in Japan that caused a tsunami

• The erosion of a riverbank over a few decades

Answer explanation

The 2011 earthquake in Japan was a significant geoscience event, as it triggered a devastating tsunami, impacting a large area and causing widespread destruction. In contrast, the other options describe smaller, localized events.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

_________ processes that can result in events that occur relatively quickly or gradually over time,

• volcanoes

• landslides

• Geoscience

• plate tectonics

Answer explanation

Geoscience encompasses processes like volcanoes and landslides, which can lead to events occurring quickly or gradually. It is the broader field that studies these phenomena, making it the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

9. What type of plate boundary is associated with the formation of mountains?

• Transform Boundary

• Divergent Boundary

• Convergent Boundary

• Subducting Boundary

Answer explanation

Mountains are primarily formed at convergent boundaries where tectonic plates collide, causing the Earth's crust to fold and uplift, leading to mountain formation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Some events such as __________ and _________ build up gradually over time but have a sudden impact. (choose two)

• landslides

• volcanoes

• earthquakes

• plate tectonics

Answer explanation

Volcanoes and earthquakes are events that accumulate stress over time due to geological processes but release that energy suddenly, resulting in significant impacts. Landslides and plate tectonics do not fit this gradual buildup with sudden release.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Select all of the answers that would result in a change to landforms on Earth's surface.

• volcanic eruption

• temperature dropping

• flooding loosens dirt to create a mudslide

• the greenhouse effect

• earthquakes

Answer explanation

Volcanic eruptions, flooding causing mudslides, and earthquakes all physically alter landforms. They can create new features or reshape existing ones, while temperature drops and the greenhouse effect do not directly change landforms.

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