Earth Science Unit Test

The diagram shows a rock cycle model made by a group of students.

Based on the rock cycle model, which statement is true?

• All rocks originate only from igneous rocks.

• Temperature, pressure, and weathering drive the rock cycle.

• The rock cycle stops after the formation of sedimentary rocks.

• Change in temperature alone is responsible for the creation of metamorphic rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Different continents have similar rocks. These rocks are billions of years old, contain large crystals, and formed after millions of years of heat and pressure. The rocks that are the same age and type are shown in the orange shaded areas on the image below. 

Emily claims the rocks are metamorphic. Mark claims the rocks are igneous. Which statement correctly identifies the rocks and why?

• The rocks are igneous because they were exposed to heat and pressure for millions of years.

• The rocks are metamorphic because they were exposed to heat and pressure for millions of years.

• The rocks are igneous because they are very hard and contain large crystals.

• The rocks are metamorphic because they are very hard and contain large crystals.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Students develop a simple model to illustrate how the movement of the mantle can predict the movement of plates above the mantle. This same phenomenon that influences plate movement can also influence fault formation. 

They demonstrated this process by using an aquarium, two foam blocks, water, and a heat source. 

Which description correctly matches a part of the model with what it represents on Earth? (ESS 2.4)

• The water represents the material Earth’s crust is made of. 

• The foam blocks represent the location of Earth’s faults. 

• The heat source represents the energy from Earth’s interior.

• The large aquarium represents the structure of Earth’s plates. 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

This diagram displays tectonic plates with arrows indicating their directions of movement

In which region do earthquakes, originating due to a transform boundary, most likely to occur?

• Between the African and Antarctic plates

• Between the Eurasian and North American plates

• Between the North American and Pacific Plates

• Between the South American and African plates

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The image shows a divergent plate boundary.

Which process occurs as a result of divergent plate boundaries on Earth?(ESS 2.4)

• Islands form due to the rising of magma

• Deep ocean trenches form in the gap between the plates.

• The movement of rising magma causes the uplift of continental crust

• The seafloor spreads and ridges form along the plate boundary

The Tonga Trench lies around 10,000 feet below sea level. The deepest point in the trench, known as the Horizon Deep, is considered to be the second deepest point on earth. The Tonga Trench stretches a distance of 2,500 km from New Zealand’s North Island to the island of Tonga. The Tonga Trench is formed at the Pacific Plate and Tonga Plate boundary. At what type of boundary did the Tonga Trench form?

• Transform

• Convergent 

• Fault 

• Divergent

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What happens to the subducting plate at a convergent boundary?

• It rises above the other plate, eventually forming a giant mountain range on land.

• It sinks below the other plate, eventually cracks the ocean floor, causes seafloor spreading and forms a mid-ocean ridge

• It sinks below the other plate, eventually melts into magma and then erupts as a volcano

• It rises above the other plate, with the friction from the collision eventually causing an earthquake

Diagram 1 shows dark-shaded areas of three continents that contain similar ancient rock structures. Diagram 2 shows similar fossils that were found on landforms. Both diagrams show the different continents arranged as scientists believe they might have existed before they moved apart because of continental drift. 

Which statement is correct based on the information provided in the two diagrams? (ESS 2.5)

• The diagrams both provide support for the theory that the continents have always been fixed in their current positions. 

• The diagrams have little relationship to each other, as some of the land areas shown on the diagrams are in different positions. 

• The diagrams support each other by offering two separate sources of evidence that support the past shapes and positions of the landforms. 

• The diagrams provide support for the conclusion that the process of continental drift ended when the continents reached their current positions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Examine the diagram which shows a plate boundary between oceanic crust and continental crust.

What geologic feature will form at this boundary?

• New oceanic crust

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Rift valley

• Volcano

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following would NOT form at a convergent boundary?

• Earthquakes

• Mid-ocean ridges

• Mountains

• Trenches