S6E5 (a, f, g)

In which of Earth's layers are the convection currents?

• the inner core

• the mantle

• the crust

• 
  the lithosphere

From least to most dense, what is the correct order of Earth's four major layers?

• 
  inner core, outer core, mantle, crust

  This is the result of incorrectly thinking the density decreases going towards the center of Earth. 

•  

  mantle, inner core, outer core, and crust

  This is the result of incorrectly thinking the mantle is the least dense layer of Earth and the crust is the most dense. 

• crust, outer core, inner core, mantle

  This is the result of incorrectly thinking the mantle is the densest layer of Earth. 

• crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

  This is correct. The density of each layer increases going towards the center of Earth.

Which layers of Earth make up the solid rigid layer of rock that contains the plates that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions?

• 
  the crust and upper mantle

• the inner and outer core

• the lower mantle and outer core

• the atmosphere and crust

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The list describes one of Earth's layers:

• 1. Composed of iron and nickel

• 2. Contains both liquid and solid parts

• 3. Extremely hot

• the core because weak pressure and temperature create a hot environment.

• the mantle because strong pressure and temperature create a hot environment.

• the core because strong pressure and temperature create both liquid and solid parts.

• the mantle because weak pressure and temperature create both liquid and solid parts.

The picture below shows a diagram of Earth's layers.

Select two of the activities that are most likely at point X.

• storms

• earthquakes

• flooding

• volcanoes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Where do most volcanoes occur?

• on flat plains

• in deserts

• on convergent boundaries

• in faults

Select the four geological events caused by the multi-directional movement of tectonic plates.

• chemical weathering, landslides

• volcanoes, earthquakes

• mountain building, ocean basin forming

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram shows South America, Africa and a Mesosaurus, a reptile that lived 300 million years ago.

The fossils of this reptile were found only on the continents of South America and Africa. If this reptile could swim across the Atlantic Ocean, its fossils would have been found on other continents. What argument can BEST be made using this diagram?

•  

  Earth's continents were once closer together.

  The reptile skeletons are only found on the African continent and South America. That fact would support the argument that South America was joined to the west coast of Africa 300 million years ago.

• 
  Earth's landmasses continue to erode causing animal populations to be separated.

  Students may think that erosion causes the separation of landmasses; however, erosion would not separate a large landmass into two continents.

•  

  Earth's plates are in the same location today as they were millions of years ago.

  This evidence indicates that the two continents have spread apart, and contain fossils of the same reptile species.

• Earth's surface was once under water.

  The Mesosaurus is a reptile and would have lived mostly on land, therefore it would not indicate the surfaces of African and South American were under water when it was alive.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A scientist was studying layers of earth in the side of a mountain. In the lower layers, she found fossils of reindeer and polar bears. In the upper layers, she found fossils of coyotes and squirrels. Which conclusion most likely explains the different fossils?

• 
  The climate was dry in earlier time periods and became wetter in later time periods.

• The climate was very hot in earlier time periods and became colder in later time periods.

• The climate was very cold in earlier time periods and became warmer in later time periods.

• The climate was wet in earlier time periods and became drier in later time periods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

The diagram shows a section of rock containing layers of fossils.

Which conclusion can be drawn based on the relative age of the fossils in the diagram?

• The area experienced a change from a land environment to a water environment over time.

• The area experienced a change from a water environment to a land environment over time.

• 
  The area experienced a change from a cold environment to a hot environment over time.

• The area experienced a change from a hot environment to a cold environment over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4