Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics

The figure shows part of what scientists think is happening in Earth’s mantle.

What process does the figure show occurring in the mantle?

• Hot rock expands, becomes less dense, and rises toward the surface of Earth.

• Hot rock expands, becomes more dense, and rises toward the surface of Earth.

• Hot rock becomes less dense and moves towards the outer core.

• Hot rock becomes more dense and moves towards the lithosphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Earth’s physical layers correspond to Earth’s compositional layers. Which part of the mantle is also part

of the lithosphere?

• the fluid, hot part

• the rigid upper part

• the soft moving part

• the lower stationary part

Mount Everest formed when two tectonic plates collided. Which of the following processes lead to the

formation of Mount Everest?

• eriosion

• substidence

• pushed up or uplift

• weathering

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Subduction occurs when one plate slides beneath another plate. The figure below shows the process of subduction. Notice that the oceanic plate slides beneath the continental plate.

What happens when the crustal plates move as shown in the figure?

• An ocean forms.

• Volcanic mountain ranges form.

• Sea-floor spreading occurs as the oceanic plate moves.

• A transform boundary forms where the subduction occurs.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Match the following

• Convection currents

• The type of plate boundary where seafloor spreading can create a mid-ocean ridge

• Divergent

• How large plates move across Earth's surface

• Lithosphere

• Where the upper solid mantle meets the crust

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

______ is a rock with a fine, dark texture that makes up the oceanic crust.

• Granite

• Gypsum

• Basalt

• Limestone

What is the main difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere?

• The lithosphere is rigid and solid, while the asthenosphere is plastic and can flow.

• The lithosphere and asthenosphere are made of the same materials

• The lithosphere is plastic and can flow, while the asthenosphere is rigid and solid

• The lithosphere is located in the outer core of the Earth, while the asthenosphere is located in the inner core

Which layer of the Earth is responsible for convection currents?

• Outer core

• Crust

• Inner core

• Mantle

Label the parts of this plate boundary.

a

b

c

d

Continental volcanic arc

Subduction zone

Continental crust

Oceanic crust

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Most geologists think that the movement of Earth's tectonic plates is caused by (a)  

• the rotation of the Earth.

• the Earth's magnetic field.

• subduction.

• convection currents.