TXPACT Practice Earth and Space Science

Which phenomenon, related to tectonic plate motion, is thought to be caused by cold, heavy plates at oceanic trenches sinking back into the mantle, providing fuel for future convection?

• mantle drag

• slab-pull

• ridge-push

• trench suction

Answer explanation

The phenomenon of slab-pull occurs when cold, dense oceanic plates sink into the mantle at trenches, pulling the rest of the plate along. This process is crucial for driving tectonic plate motion and future convection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Earth's crust is composed primarily of:

• Mafic basaltic rocks

• Basalt and granite

• Granite and sedimentary rock

• Peridotite and eclogite

Answer explanation

The Earth's crust is primarily composed of basalt and granite. Basalt is a mafic rock found in oceanic crust, while granite is a felsic rock common in continental crust, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which rocks are formed through lithification?

• Metamorphic Rocks

• Sedimentary Rocks

• Igneous Rocks

• Intrusive Rocks

Answer explanation

Sedimentary rocks are formed through lithification, which is the process of compacting and cementing sediments. Metamorphic and igneous rocks form through different processes, making sedimentary rocks the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Relative geologic time is divided into different units, including two recognized eons-the Precambrian and the:

• Phanerozoic

• Paleozoic

• Proterozoic

• Cenozoic

Answer explanation

Relative geologic time is divided into eons, with the Precambrian being one. The other recognized eon is the Phanerozoic, which follows the Precambrian and includes significant geological and biological developments.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What layer of the atmosphere is 16 to 50 kilometers above the surface, calm and virtually weather-free, and exhibits temperature increase with altitude increase due to the ozone layer?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

The stratosphere, located 16 to 50 kilometers above the surface, is calm and weather-free. It features a temperature increase with altitude due to the ozone layer, making it the correct answer.

After water falls back to the Earth as precipitation, it can be absorbed into the surface or trapped in vegetation, the latter of which is called:

• Initiation

• Infiltration

• Interception

• Convection

Answer explanation

After precipitation, water can be trapped by vegetation, which is known as interception. This process prevents some water from reaching the ground directly, distinguishing it from infiltration, which refers to water soaking into the soil.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Where does most weather take place?

• Troposphere

• Stratosphere

• Mesosphere

• Thermosphere

Answer explanation

Most weather occurs in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, where clouds, rain, and storms form due to temperature changes and moisture. The other layers, like the stratosphere and mesosphere, have minimal weather activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What type of cloud is usually low, dark, and formless, sometimes spanning the entire visible sky, and generally speaking is a rain cloud?

• Cirrus

• Cumulous

• Nimbus

• Stratus

Answer explanation

Nimbus clouds are typically low, dark, and formless, often covering the sky and are associated with rain. This makes them the correct choice for a rain cloud, unlike the other types listed.

Which of the following describes when the Earth is closest to the sun, also called the minimum heliocentric distance?

• Vernal Equinox

• Perihelion

• Summer Solstice

• Sidereal Period

Answer explanation

The term 'Perihelion' refers to the point in Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun, making it the correct answer. The other options describe different astronomical events or periods.

Which of the following is not found in the atmosphere of Venus?

• Carbon Dioxide

• Water

• Sulfuric Acid

• Iron Oxide

Answer explanation

Iron Oxide is not found in the atmosphere of Venus. The atmosphere is primarily composed of Carbon Dioxide, with traces of Water and Sulfuric Acid, but Iron Oxide is not a significant component.