SOL 5.8 Earth's Structures

Sedimentary rocks form by

• cementation and compaction of sediment

• the melting and cooling of magma and lava

• heat and pressure

• fossils

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks form through the processes of cementation and compaction of sediment, where particles are pressed together and minerals bind them, unlike igneous rocks which form from magma.

Rocks that are formed from melted then cooled magma or lava are called

• sedimentary

• fossils

• igneous

• metamorphic

Answer explanation

Rocks formed from melted and cooled magma or lava are classified as igneous rocks. This process occurs when magma erupts as lava and solidifies, distinguishing them from sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Metamorphic rocks are formed by

• heat and pressure

• melting and cooling
  melting and cooling

• compaction and cementation

• weathering and erosion

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rocks are formed through the process of heat and pressure acting on existing rocks, altering their mineral composition and structure. This distinguishes them from other rock types formed by melting, compaction, or weathering.

Only __________ rocks can contain visible fossils.

• Metamorphic

• Igneous

• Sedimentary

• Fossil

Answer explanation

Only sedimentary rocks can contain visible fossils because they form from the accumulation of sediments, which can trap and preserve organic materials. In contrast, igneous and metamorphic rocks typically do not preserve fossils.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Scientific evidence indicates that Earth is composed of four concentric layers, which are...

• Crust, Mantle, Outer Core

• Igneous, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core

• Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core

• Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, Apple Core

Answer explanation

The Earth is made up of four main layers: the Crust, Mantle, Outer Core, and Inner Core. This choice correctly identifies all four layers, while the other options either omit a layer or include incorrect terms.

The innermost layers of the Earth are composed mostly of

• Iron

• Nickel

• Rocky Material

• Both A and B

Answer explanation

The innermost layers of the Earth, specifically the inner core and outer core, are primarily composed of iron and nickel. Therefore, the correct answer is both A and B.

The deeper you travel (if you could) beneath the surface of the Earth, the higher the __________ and _________.

• Iron and Nickel

• Pressure and Temperature

• Pressure and Weight

• Temperature and Heat

Answer explanation

As you go deeper into the Earth, both pressure and temperature increase due to the weight of the overlying material and geothermal gradients. Thus, the correct answer is Pressure and Temperature.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Most ___________ and _________ are located at the boundaries of the plates (faults).

• torandos and hurricanes

• water levels and mountain ridges

• earthquakes and volcanoes

• mountains and oceans

Answer explanation

Earthquakes and volcanoes are primarily found at tectonic plate boundaries, where the Earth's crust is unstable. This makes them the correct choices, unlike the other options which do not specifically relate to plate boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Plates that move together are called

• convergent

• divergent

• transform

• igneous

Answer explanation

Plates that move together are called convergent plates. This occurs when two tectonic plates collide, often leading to mountain formation or subduction zones, unlike divergent or transform boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Plates that move apart are called

• convergent

• divergent

• transform

• igneous

Answer explanation

Plates that move apart are known as divergent boundaries. This movement creates new crust as magma rises to the surface, distinguishing them from convergent (plates moving together) and transform (plates sliding past each other) boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3