Changes to Earth’s Surface

The current's energy in a fast-moving river causes rocks to bump and scrape against one another. What will happen to these rocks over time?

• They will get larger.

• They will get smaller.

• They will get sharper.

• They will get heavier.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

A teacher asks her science class to design an activity that will make rocks smooth like the ones they find near the river. Which activity shows how a river makes rocks smooth?

• Place the rocks in direct sunlight.

• Bury the rocks in soil under water.

• Put the rocks under heavy weight.

• Shake the rocks in a container of water.

Tags

NGSS.4-ESS2-1

There is a relationship between landforms and the movement of water. Given this relationship, which of the following landforms is the result of weathering?

• canyon

• desert

• forest

• mountain

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Wind, like water, can cause erosion. Which of the following choices is an example of wind erosion?

• alluvial fan

• moraine

• sand dunes

• tides

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The movement of water can cause erosion. Which of the following choices is a result of water erosion?

• barrier islands

• canyons

• small rocks

• smooth stones

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Running water often forms cave openings. What can you infer about the rock that is worn away by the water?

• It is very hard.

• It is water soluble.

• It is not easily eroded.

• It is mostly made of sand.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Underground River A flows downward at an angle of about 45 degrees. Underground River B flows downward at angle of about 60 degrees. What can you conclude about the erosion rate of each river?

• Underground River A erodes rock faster than Underground River B.

• Underground River B erodes rock faster than Underground River A.

• The two underground rivers erode rock at about the same time.

• Neither underground river flows fast enough to erode rock.

Cave formation occurs under certain conditions. In which kind of environment would a cave be most likely to form?

• a wide desert

• a cool prairie

• a rainy hillside

• a windy mountainside

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which of the following events most likely contributes to gradual underground cave formation?

• a flood

• a hurricane

• an avalanche

• an earthquake

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Earth's crust is made up of plates that rest on the mantle. Which of the following is the best estimate of how many plates make up Earth's crust?

• 10

• 100

• 1,000

• 10,000