Science SSA

In the rock cycle, one form of rock can be changed into another through various events that occur in the layers of Earth. Which statement describes the connection between plate tectonics and the rock cycle?

• As the plates move, particles are broken off from the plates and form the basis of sedimentary rocks.

• The uplifting of metamorphic rocks and the added heat of conduction causes the plates to move at a slower pace.

• As rock particles are moved out to sea and deposited as igneous rock, they cause the tectonic plates to move apart faster.

• The movement of tectonic plates causes an increase in magma production by volcanoes leading to the development of

  sedimentary rocks.

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Fossilized teeth from an extinct shark were found embedded in a rock layer at the base of a mountain, several hundred kilometers (km) from the nearest ocean. Which of the following statements best explains why the rock layer cannot be igneous rock?

• The melting process would have destroyed the fossil.

• Weathering and erosion would have broken up the fossil.

• The rock was found at an inland location away from heat and pressure.

• Repeated volcanic eruptions would have buried the fossil too deeply to be found.

A geologist wants to determine the age of rock formations. In which of these locations would it NOT be helpful to use the law of superposition to date a rock formation?

• on a wall of limestone in Florida because the chemical weathering would change the composition of the layers of sediment

• on the walls of the Grand Canyon above the Colorado River because the process of erosion would have worn away the layers

• in a subsurface canyon off the coastline of Cuba because the ocean current would smooth the surface making the layers hard to see

• on a mountain formed by the upthrust of magma in California because the mountain building process would have disturbed the rock layers

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Scientists discovered fossil evidence of the same types of plants and animals in different continents. In addition, some of the fossil evidence found are from organisms that could not possibly have lived in an environment that is now established on the continent in which the fossil was found. What conclusion could scientists make concerning the fossil evidence found and the evolution of Earth over geologic time?

• Each continent has similar plants and animals because they have adapted to their environment.

• During early voyages, plants and animals must have come over on the ships used for exploration.

• The location of continents on Earth’s surface must have changed over time due to tectonic movement.

• Early mapmakers had the original locations of the continents wrong and they are located exactly where they have always been.

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Use the diagram below to answer the following question. Which of the following correctly identifies the type of plate boundary and the resulting action shown at B?

• A convergent boundary; as the mantle moves, it spreads, cools, and falls, forming new material that develops new land.

• A transform boundary; the continental plate pushes against the oceanic plate causing the formation of a continental rift zone.

• A convergent boundary; as the oceanic plate moves under the continental plate, the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle leading to the creation of a volcanic chain.

• A transform boundary; two crustal plates are pushing past each other, forcing the oceanic plate to move below the continental plate, which is forced to move upwards and form volcanoes.

Answer explanation

Using data from satellites, scientists estimate that the Atlantic Ocean crust is expanding in width by approximately two centimeters (cm) each year. Which of these statements best describes the cause of this expansion?

• Conduction of heat from the mantle enlarges the crustal plates containing the Atlantic Ocean.

• Convection within the mantle brings magma up to the crust in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, building new sea floor.

• As the crustal plates containing the mainland of North America and Europe get older, they sink, causing the Atlantic Ocean to spread.

• At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the crustal plates containing North America and Europe collide, causing volcanic activity and earthquakes.

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Plants and animals require large amounts of water in order to survive. Although vast numbers of plants and animals have lived throughout time, the amount of water in our environment has remained relatively constant. Which of the following statements explains why this occurs?

• Water continually flows from the center of Earth.

• Vast quantities of water are created by lightning in clouds.

• Organisms return water to the environment after they use it.

• Organisms combine hydrogen and oxygen to make their own water.

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Jada often visits a beach near her home. She notices that some areas of the beach are shrinking while other areas are growing. Which statement best explains the cause of these changes?

• Both processes are due to erosion.

• Both processes are due to deposition.

• Some areas are shrinking due to erosion and other areas are growing due to deposition.

• Some areas are shrinking due to deposition and other areas are growing due to erosion.

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Shoals are raised landforms made of sand and gravel that are commonly found in Florida. They are often called sandbars and are located in and round bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Which factor most commonly causes shoals to form or change shape?

• the motion of glaciers

• the motion of large boats

• the motion of wind and waves

• the motion of Earth’s mantle and crust

Which of the following examples best describes an effect of urbanization?

• More land is available in large cities to grow crops.

• Wildlife diversity increases due to more open spaces within the city.

• Emissions from motor vehicles increase smog in the air that can block radiation.

• The greater concentration of people in large cities reduces overall waste production and accumulation on Earth.

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