Geoscience Processes Lesson

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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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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-ESS2-2

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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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-ESS2-2

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

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

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

On what two scales are geoscience processes that form and change our Earth measured?

• Time and Impact

• Time and Scale

• Natural and Artificial

• Chemical and Physical

Answer explanation

Geoscience processes are measured on two scales: time, which refers to the duration of processes, and scale, which pertains to the size or extent of these processes. Thus, the correct answer is 'Time and Scale'.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What typically happens at transform boundaries?

• Seafloor Spreading

• Sudden release of pressure resulting in an Earthquake

• Formation of Mountain ranges

• Plates move apart and form Mid-ocean ridges

Answer explanation

At transform boundaries, tectonic plates slide past each other, causing friction. This often leads to a sudden release of pressure, resulting in earthquakes, making it the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What are the two scales on which the processes that form and change our Earth are measured?

• Speed and intensity

• Time and magnitude

• How long the processes take and size of the area involved

• Frequency and duration

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights the two scales: 'how long the processes take' refers to time, and 'size of the area involved' indicates magnitude. These are essential for understanding Earth's dynamic processes.

What is a Plate Boundary in the context of tectonic plates?

• Where two tectonic plates meet and separation occurs

• Where two tectonic plates collide and fusion occurs

• Where two tectonic plates meet and interaction occurs

• Where two tectonic plates overlap and melting occurs

Answer explanation

A plate boundary is where two tectonic plates meet and interact. This interaction can lead to various geological activities, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making the correct choice "Where two tectonic plates meet and interaction occurs."