Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics

Earth’s surface features slowly change over time. For example, sharp, jagged mountain ranges become lower and more rounded over time. What factor(s) is responsible for this change in their shape?

• weathering and erosion

• depostion

• movement of continents

• collisions between continental plates

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

It might seem that, since the surface of the Earth is a fairly moderate temperature, Earth's core would also be of a fairly moderate temperature. Using creative logic, scientists have determined that material below the surface of the Earth is liquid and very hot. Which event on the surface of the Earth would support that conclusion?

• an earthquake

• an erupting volcano

• the temperature of the ocean water

• high surface temperature in the deserts

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The layer of rock that forms Earth's outer surface.

• crust

• core

• ridge

• mantle

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

the process during which rocks are formed, change, wear down, and are formed again over long periods of time

• lithosphere

• subduction

• rock cycle

• rift valley

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

an opening in the Earth's surface through which magma and gases erupt

• volcano

• earthquake

• subduction

• ridge

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

the layer of the earth, molten rock, between the crust and the core

• crust

• mantle

• core

• magma

melted rock located beneath Earth's surface

• lava

• crust

• magma

• mantle

melted rock on Earth's surface

• crust

• lava

• mantle

• magma

a sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of rock underground

• volcano

• ridge

• rift

• earthquake

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The mostly solid, rocky part of the Earth

• atmosphere

• geosphere

• hydrosphere

• biosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4