Geologic Time and Earth Systems Rev iew

When scientists are determining the age of rocks, which Earth system are they studying?

• Atmosphere

• Biosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Geosphere

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

What does the geologic time scale show about Earth’s history?

• Earth has always had the same landforms and climate.

• Earth’s surface and life forms have changed over long periods of time.

• Earth formed only a few million years ago.

• Earth’s rocks cannot provide information about past environments.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-6

NGSS.HS-ESS2-2

Which of the following best shows the correct order of geologic time units from longest to shortest?

• epoch > period > era > eon

• eon > period > era > epoch

• eon > era > period > epoch

• era > eon > epoch > period

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What natural process causes most of the changes to Earth’s crust over long periods of time?

• Earth’s rotation

• Plate tectonics

• Erosion by rain and wind

• Changes in temperature

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

What type of plate boundary is shown in the image?

• Divergent

• Transform

• Convergent - subduction

• Convergent - collision

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Based on the map, which sample(s) is the oldest rock?

• Sample A

• Sample B

• Sample C

• Samples A & C

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Evidence of plate tectonics can be used to determine the ages of rocks on a map by which of the following methods?

• By observing that rocks farther from mid-ocean ridges are older than those closer to the ridges.

• By measuring the color of the rocks on the map.

• By counting the number of earthquakes in the area.

• By identifying the types of fossils found in the rocks.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What is the difference between absolute dating and relative dating?

• Absolute dating gives a specific age; relative dating compares rock layers.

• Absolute dating is faster.

• Relative dating only works for fossils.

• Relative dating gives the exact number of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the most reliable method scientists use to determine the age of very old rocks?

• Comparing rock color and texture.

• Counting layers in sedimentary rocks.

• Measuring radioactive isotopes in minerals.

• Observing the types of fossils in the rock.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What happens to uranium-238 over time inside a zircon crystal?

• It freezes and stays unchanged.

• It turns into carbon-14.

• It decays into lead-206.

• It forms new zircon crystals.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8