Earth Science Review Quiz

Which of the following best describes the process of subduction in plate tectonics?

• The movement of tectonic plates away from each other.

• The formation of new crust at mid-ocean ridges.

• The collision of two tectonic plates.

• The sliding of one tectonic plate beneath another.

Answer explanation

Subduction is best described as the sliding of one tectonic plate beneath another. This process occurs at convergent boundaries, where an oceanic plate often sinks under a continental plate, leading to geological activity.

Aria and Grace are observing a model of the Earth in their science class. They notice that the tectonic plates on the model are moving. What is the primary force that drives the movement of tectonic plates?

• Gravitational pull from the moon.

• Convection currents in the mantle.

• Wind currents.

• Ocean currents.

Answer explanation

The primary force driving tectonic plate movement is convection currents in the mantle. These currents are caused by the heat from the Earth's core, creating a cycle that pushes and pulls the plates.

Nora and Aiden are on a field trip to a volcanic site. They observe the cooling and solidification of lava. Which type of rock is formed through this process?

• Sedimentary rock

• Metamorphic rock

• Igneous rock

• Fossil rock

Answer explanation

Igneous rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Unlike sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, which are formed through different processes, igneous rocks originate directly from molten material.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What process is primarily responsible for the breakdown of rocks into smaller particles?

• Erosion

• Weathering

• Deposition

• Cementation

Answer explanation

Weathering is the process that breaks down rocks into smaller particles through physical, chemical, or biological means. Erosion, on the other hand, involves the movement of these particles, not their breakdown.

Maya and Henry are learning about Earth's layers in their science class. They discover that one layer is composed mostly of iron and nickel and is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field. Which layer is it?

• Crust

• Mantle

• Outer core

• Inner core

Answer explanation

The outer core is primarily composed of liquid iron and nickel. Its movement generates Earth's magnetic field, distinguishing it from the solid inner core and the rocky crust and mantle.

Nora and Ethan are on a field trip to a canyon. They observe layers of rocks and wonder how these sedimentary rocks were formed. How are sedimentary rocks typically formed?

• By the cooling of magma.

• By the crystallization of minerals from a solution.

• By the transformation of existing rock types under heat and pressure.

• Through the accumulation and compaction of sediments.

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed through the accumulation and compaction of sediments over time, which can include particles from other rocks, minerals, and organic materials, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

During a geology field trip, Avery and Sophia discovered a rock that had formed deep within the Earth's crust. Which of the following processes is responsible for the formation of this metamorphic rock?

• Melting and cooling

• Weathering and erosion

• Heat and pressure

• Sedimentation and compaction

Answer explanation

Metamorphic rocks form through the processes of heat and pressure acting on existing rocks, altering their mineral composition and structure without melting them. This distinguishes them from igneous and sedimentary rocks.

During a field trip to a local river, Benjamin observed changes in the landscape. What is the primary cause of these changes?

• Chemical reactions

• Movement of water, wind, or ice

• Biological activity

• Volcanic activity

Answer explanation

The primary cause of erosion is the movement of water, wind, or ice, which physically transports soil and rock from one location to another, reshaping landscapes over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

William and Grace are digging in their backyard to plant a tree. They notice different layers of soil and rock as they dig deeper. Which layer of the Earth is the thinnest?

• Mantle

• Crust

• Outer core

• Inner core

Answer explanation

The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth and is significantly thinner than the mantle, outer core, and inner core. It varies in thickness but is generally only a few kilometers thick, making it the thinnest layer.

Arjun and Aiden are observing a hillside after a rainstorm. They notice that some rocks have broken down into smaller pieces, while other materials have been carried away by the flowing water. What is the main difference between weathering and erosion?

• Weathering involves the movement of materials, while erosion does not.

• Weathering involves the breakdown of rocks, while erosion involves the transport of materials.

• Erosion involves the breakdown of rocks, while weathering involves the transport of materials.

• Erosion and weathering are the same processes.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that weathering is the breakdown of rocks, while erosion is the transport of those materials. This distinction is crucial as they are different processes in the geological cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4