Earth Processes Practice Question

How does the inner core compare in density to the other layers of Earth?

• The inner core is the least dense of all the layers of Earth.

• The inner core is the densest of all the layers of Earth.

• The inner core and outer core have the same density.

• The inner core’s density is unknown.

What causes the tectonic plates of Earth to continually move?

• convection currents in the mantle

• volcanic and seismic activity in the crust

• strong winds and storms

• rotation of the solid core

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which event MOST likely takes place as the result of crustal movement along transform boundaries?

• earthquakes

• volcanic activity

• mountain building

• trenches

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Soil permeability is a property that measures how much water and air soil can transmit. Where would the most permeable soil be found?

• an area that contains few minerals

• an area that contains many minerals

• an area with large gravel and flowing water

• a flat area with clay and slow-moving water

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

How do the nutrients necessary for plant growth get into the soil?

• The soil absorbs sunlight

• Water filters through the soil.

• Organic matter is decayed in the soil.

• The soil is exposed to air.

The weathering of rocks into small pieces forms (makes) what natural resource?

• Minerals

• Water

• Coal

• Soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The ingredients in soil vary from place to place. The difference is mostly due to the fact that different places–

• have different rocks that are weathered to become soil.

• have different plants with different specific needs.

• receive different amounts of sunlight during the year.

• are more or less exposed to the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following most accurately describes the movement of lithospheric plates?

• They are in constant, but slow motion.

• They move rapidly at all times.

• They move only during earthquakes.

• They move only under the ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A student used a hammer and sugar cubes to model part of the rock cycle. When the student hit the sugar cubes with the hammer, the sugar cubes broke into pieces. Which rock cycle process is BEST represented by the student's action?

• weathering

• erosion

• pressure

• compacting

What feature of Earth floats on the semiliquid mantle?

• asthenosphere

• mantle

• tectonic plates

• core