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WorksheetsThe Dynamic Earth (Geology)
Total questions: 102
Worksheet time: 52mins
Over time, repeated cycles of heating and cooling can cause a rock to crack. The rock may then break into smaller pieces. What is this process called?
erosion
deposition
subsidence
weathering
Which produces material for the formation of metamorphic rock?
clasts
magma
sediments
existing rock
The diagram shows how sediment is deposited as a fast-flowing river reaches a flatter area of land. What feature does the diagram show?
river delta
floodplain
alluvial fan
oxbow lake
Where on Earth are tectonic plates located?
outer core
lithosphere
mesosphere
asthenosphere
Which type of movement is caused by gravity moving wet Earth materials?
dune
glacier
hotspot
mudslide
The diagram shows the site of a sinkhole. Which landform was most likely present before the sinkhole?
a cave
a canyon
a shallow pond
a deep river valley
Which layer of Earth does a tectonic plate ride on top of?
lithosphere
asthenosphere
outer core
inner core
Canyons, caverns, channels, and valleys all form because of erosion by water. Which landform listed is formed mainly because of erosion by groundwater?
a broad valley
a narrow canyon
a human-made channel
an underground cavern
Derrick started to draw a flow chart to show which kinds of rock can change into metamorphic rock. Which rock types should Derrick include in the top box?
igneous rock only
sedimentary rock only
igneous rock, sedimentary rock, or metamorphic rock
either igneous rock or sedimentary rock, but not metamorphic rock
In places where there is loose sediment and strong wind, the wind can pick up the sediment and carry it. When the wind slows, it deposits the sediment. Which type of sediment will be dropped first as the wind slows?
the biggest
the lightest
the smallest
the heaviest
Landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides are responsible for both erosion and deposition. What force is mainly responsible for the erosion and deposition that happens in landslides, rockfalls, and mudslides?
ice
wind
gravity
temperature
Sand dunes are formed where wind deposits the sand it has been carrying. The diagram shows a sand dune. The arrows show four different wind directions. Which arrow shows the direction in which the wind was blowing to form this sand dune?
Q
R
S
T
What can cause a chain of volcanic islands to form far from plate boundaries?
rifting
folding
hotspot
earthquake
Which type of stress causes deformation that leads to earthquakes at locations where plates are colliding?
tension
rebound
shear stress
compression
The diagram shows fault-block mountains. At which type of tectonic-plate boundary do fault-block mountains most often form?
where plates move apart
where plates move together
where plates slide past one another
where one plate moves under another
What happens when a stream slows down?
The stream picks up larger particles.
The stream has more energy for erosion.
The stream picks up more sediment.
The stream deposits sediment.
The diagram shows the path of a river. Structure A is an oxbow lake, which was originally part of the river. This kind of lake can form when sediments build up and change the path of a river. What are the two main processes that formed this river and lake?
erosion and deposition
erosion and chemical weathering
deposition and physical weathering
chemical weathering and physical weathering
What is the process by which a delta forms?
A stream cuts a new channel during a flood.
A river overflows its banks and deposits sediment.
As it enters the ocean, a river slows down and drops its sediment.
A stream leaves a steep mountain valley, enters a flatter plain, and drops its sediment.
Which statement about deltas is true?
Deltas are an example of stream erosion.
Deltas are places where the soil is infertile.
Deltas are narrow, steep-walled, and V-shaped.
Deltas are filled with nutrient-rich soil from deposition.
Which statement best describes the process by which a stream forms a channel?
The flow of water deposits soil and rock, creating a path for the stream.
The flow of water erodes soil and rock, cutting a path for the stream.
Part of a meandering stream is cut off during a flood.
Gravity causes water to move downhill.
When glaciers retreat, they leave behind huge blocks of ice and deposited sediments. When these ice blocks melt, they can form kettle lakes surrounded by the sediments. What would likely happen if sediment did not build up around the ice blocks?
The water in the lake would dry up.
Vegetation would not be able to grow.
The water would not stay contained.
Ice blocks would not be warmed enough to melt.
Today scientists use a tool called seismic reflection to study the layers beneath the Mississippi River delta. This helps them understand the formation of the delta. They use their observations to reinforce their understanding of how deltas formed earlier in Earth’s history. What conclusion can the scientists draw?
Deltas did not form in the past.
In the past, deltas formed differently from the way they form today.
Deltas formed throughout Earth’s history in the same way they form today.
Scientists cannot draw any conclusions about how deltas formed in the past.
Granite has only recently been exposed at a location on Earth’s surface. What will need to happen first in order for granite to become sedimentary rock?
A thick layer of humus must form on top of the granite.
The granite must be broken into smaller pieces by weathering processes.
Erosion by wind and water must move pieces of granite to other locations.
Microorganisms must begin to break down the remains of plants and animals.
Declan observed a rock that he found at the beach. He concluded that the rock was sedimentary. Which observation best supports this conclusion?
the yellow color
the hardness of the rock
the layers within the rock
the location where the rock was found
Granite forms when magma slowly cools within Earth’s crust. Basalt forms when lava cools on Earth’s surface. What do granite and basalt have in common?
They are kinds of igneous rock.
They are not made up of minerals.
They are identical in color and texture.
They are made up of layers of sediment.
Repeated temperature changes can cause a rock to break down into smaller pieces. Which part of the rock cycle is this an example of?
erosion
deposition
weathering
subsidence
What do mudstone and sedimentary rocks formed from the remains of once-living plants and animals have in common?
They are made up of the same kinds of minerals.
They are formed from layers of sediment.
They are formed when melted rock cools and hardens.
They are made up of the remains of plants and animals.
Margo is designing an experiment to investigate the rock cycle. She has written the following steps.
Step 1: Gather shavings from different colors of crayons.
Step 2: Place a small pile of shavings between sheets of waxed paper and press down on them lightly.
Step 3: Place a small pile of shavings between sheets of waxed paper and press down on them with great force.
Step 4: Compare the results produced in Steps 2 and 3.
Which question might Margo be investigating?
How does the type of sediment affect the texture of igneous rock?
How does the amount of sediment affect the type of rock that is formed?
How does the pressure involved affect the formation of sedimentary rock?
How does the original type of rock affect the composition of the metamorphic rock?
The flow chart shows how a metamorphic rock can change into a sedimentary rock. Which term should replace the question mark?
cooling
melting
deposition
weathering
Which two of the following process can form a mineral?
cooling of melted rock
changing heat and pressure
erosion of sediments
A sedimentary rock is most likely to change into metamorphic rock after ______.
heating
erosion
deposition
Igneous rock will _________ change as a result of temperature and pressure.
always
sometimes
never
Which of these does not provide evidence that the continents drifted to their present locations?
current weather
landform data
deep-ocean data
similar fossils on multiple continents
The diagram shows two tectonic plates moving. Which type of plate boundary movement is shown in the image, and what type of landform is most likely to occur here?
plates moving away from each other; formation of a trench
plates moving away from each other; formation of an island volcanic arc
plates moving toward each other; formation of folded mountains
plates moving toward each other; formation of a continental volcanic arc
Which processes are best explained by the theory of plate tectonics?
life cycles of plants
food chains and webs
changes in air pressure
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
The diagram shows the formation of a volcanic island arc. Which type of movement is shown in the boundary?
oceanic plates moving away from each other
oceanic plates moving toward each other
an oceanic plate and a continental plate moving away from each other
an oceanic plate and a continental plate moving toward each other
Which of these types of rock would most likely be the youngest?
rock on an oceanic plate that is close to a mid-ocean ridge
rock on an oceanic plate that is farthest from a mid-ocean ridge
rock on a continental plate that is next to a deep ocean trench
rock on a continental plate that is colliding with another continental plate
Which statement explains why tectonic plates move?
Plates move because Earth’s interior is slowly cycling.
Plates move because they are slowly expanding and growing larger.
Plates move because landforms cause them to move in different directions.
Plates move because of the weight of the oceans pressing on parts of Earth’s surface.
Which description is evidence for the theory of plate tectonics but does not suggest that the continents were once connected?
matching rock layers on separate continents
similar land features on separated, present-day continents
the interlocking of present-day coastlines, such as Africa and South America
thin layer of sediment covering the ocean floor, indicating that it was relatively young
Which of the following processes causes the Earth's tectonic plates to move?
the daily cycle of high and low tides
convection currents in the Earth's mantle
the continuous flow of ocean currents
high pressure in the atmosphere
Which of the following statements best explains why fossils of Mesosaurus were found in both Africa and S. America?
The animals swam back and forth between Africa and S. America.
The animals crossed between continents using a land bridge.
Africa and S. America were likely once adjacent to each other in one continent.
The animals evolved and flew over the ocean.
Which of the following pieces of evidence was NOT used to support the Theory of Continental Drift?
The shape of the continents appear to fit together like a puzzle.
Identical fossils have been found on multiple continents separated by oceans.
Similar landforms are continuous between two continents when matched up.
There was traces of land bridges connecting separate continents.
Which statements correctly describe the nature of plate motion? Choose all that apply.
Energy from the sun drives plate motion.
Energy from Earth's interior drives plate motion.
Plates move in different directions.
Most plates do not move.
A geologist is studying an area where earthquakes are likely to occur. What might the geologist expect to see after an earthquake?
The streams’ directions have changed after the formation of a hot spot in Earth’s crust.
The direction of the water flow in the streams has changed as a result of a change in the slope.
The streams on one side of the fault have shifted in relation to the streams on the other side of the fault.
Additional streams have formed on both sides of the fault as a result of new faults forming in Earth’s crust.
A sharp, jagged mountain becomes smoother over time. Which of these is most responsible for this change?
deposition
weathering and erosion
movement of continents
collisions between continental plates
Which area most likely has the greatest number of fast, large-scale changes?
along seashores
at high elevations
near magnetic poles
near plate tectonics
The diagram shows a type of mountain range that can form as the result of moving tectonic plates. In which major Earth subsystem are these formations taking place?
biosphere
geosphere
atmosphere
hydrosphere
Which type of change best describes folded mountain belts that sometimes form at plate boundaries?
a slow, large-scale change
a slow, small-scale change
a fast, large-scale change
a fast, small-scale change
Which geologic evidence could result from an asteroid impact on Earth’s surface?
alternating layers of lava and volcanic ash erupted from a volcano
fossils that show a steady rate of evolution in a certain type of organism
petrified trees that have tree rings showing several years of stunted growth
ice cores that show a gradual change in the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere
Early in the history of geology, scientists debated different views of how geologic processes worked. Which statement explains how scientists generally view geologic changes or processes today?
Earth’s surface is reshaped only through slow, gradual geologic processes.
Early in Earth’s history, most geologic change was sudden, but now it’s mostly slow.
Some geologic processes happen quickly, while others happen over millions of years.
Geologic changes that reshape Earth’s surface only occur in sudden, devastating events.
The picture shows a landform that broke apart and the rock fell into the valley below. The rock was in high mountains, often subjected to harsh weather. The rock was made of solid granite and there were few plants growing on the cliff. Based on the evidence, what most likely caused the rock to fall?
acid rain dissolving a fragile rock
freeze-thaw forming cracks in the rock and spreading the cracks over time
tree roots growing between cracks in the rock and pushing the rock away from the cliff
oxidation with oxygen and water creating rust that slowly wore the rock away from the cliff
The diagram shows an incomplete rock cycle. Which rock types belong in circles 1, 2, and 3?
1. igneous 2. sedimentary 3. metamorphic
1. metamorphic 2. igneous 3. sedimentary
1. sedimentary 2. igneous 3. metamorphic
1. sedimentary 2. metamorphic 3. igneous
The North American plate is moving away from the Eurasian plate. The diagram shows this event in Iceland. What geological features and processes are likely to occur in the future along the ridge?
Sea levels will rise, eroding the coastline near the ridge.
Seawater will erode the land underneath the ridge, creating caves.
Volcanic activity will shape the land along the ridge through plate fissures.
Plate movement will cause tsunamis to flood and erode the coastline near the ridge.
The letters in the map represent sectors of the ocean floor. The sea floor is spreading at a rate of 3–5 cm per year at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. In what sectors is the newest rock located?
Sectors A and D
Sectors A and B
Sectors B and C
Sectors C and D
The map shows the age of ocean crust. Why is the age of the ocean crust used as evidence for plate tectonics?
Older ocean crust is being melted back into the mantle where plates move apart.
There are striations on the ocean crust where the continental crust moved over the top of it.
Ocean crust is older than continental crust so it shows that the continents are younger.
New ocean crust is being formed at underwater locations where plates moving apart push away older crust.
Fossil evidence has been used to understand the movement of continental plates. The map shows the locations of continental plates 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. Where are fossils of a Cretaceous-period land animal that could travel only over continuous landmass but not across oceans likely to be found?
The fossils are likely to be found on all continents.
The fossils are likely to be found in North America and Asia.
The fossils are likely to be found in North America and Australia.
The fossils are likely to be found in both North and South America.
Alfred Wegener proposed that the continents were once joined together, but Earth’s moving crust separated them. Looking at how the shapes of the continents can fit together provides evidence for his hypothesis. Which two of the maps show how a pair of continents could be used to support his theory?
Maps A and B
Maps A and C
Maps A and D
Maps B and D
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a 16,000-kilometer mountain chain that travels north to south along the Atlantic Ocean sea floor. It is estimated that it is spreading at a rate of 2-5 cm a year. Based on the evidence, correctly complete the explanation for how the Atlantic Ocean will change over time.
1. millions 2. continue 3. smaller
1. millions 2. continue 3. larger
1. thousands 2. stop 3. smaller
1. hundreds 2. stop 3. larger
The map shows the plate tectonic and water features in East Africa. How will Earth’s processes and water movement affect Earth’s surface along the East African rift zone?
As the plates move together, Lake Victoria will flood and erode the land along the rift.
As the plates move apart, nearby sea and ocean water will flood and erode the land.
As the plates move apart, sea levels will rise in the Red Sea, eroding coastlines.
The islands in the Chesapeake Bay have changed and eroded over time. Some people suggest that increased sea levels have caused the changes. Which evidence supports that sea level changes have caused the changes?
global and local temperature records
historical and modern maps of Chesapeake Bay geography
water temperature, salinity changes, and water chemistry data
The islands in the Chesapeake Bay have changed and eroded over time. Some people suggest that increased sea levels have caused the changes. Which evidence DOES NOT support that sea level changes have caused the changes?
continuous sea level records around the Chesapeake Bay
composition of sediment layers in bay area and nearby tidal marshes
water temperature, salinity changes, and water chemistry data
The map shows the reconstruction of the arrangement of the continents 225 million years ago. Which statement supports the claim that these landmasses were connected?
Tropical ferns would not be able to survive the climate in Antarctica.
Cynognathus and Lystrosaurus were land reptiles unable to swim across the ocean.
Mesosaurus was a freshwater crocodile-like reptile so it could have easily swum across the ocean between South American and Africa.
What is the process by which rock materials are broken down by the action of physical and chemical processes?
weathering
erosion
deposition
sedimentation
What are fragments of weathered rock?
sediment
erosion
dunes
abrasion
What is the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces?
chemical weathering
physical weathering
Which of the following are examples of physical weathering?
oxidation
acid precipitation
freezing and thawing
abrasion
What is the breakdown and decomposition of rocks as a result of chemical reaction and processes?
physical weathering
chemical weathering
Which of the following are examples of chemical weathering?
lichens and mosses producing weak acids as they grow on rocks
oxidation
plant roots growing in rock gaps
freezing and thawing
Which of the following affect resistance to weathering?
composition of rock
surface area of rock
climate
location
Which is a fast change that affects a small area?
rock tumbles to the ground and breaks
water and wind wear down a mountain
Which is a slow change that affects a large area?
rock tumbles to the ground and breaks
water and wind wear down a mountain
What is the process by which wind, water, ice, or gravity transport weathered materials from one location to another?
deposition
weathering
erosion
sedimentation
What occurs when the eroded materials are dropped, or laid down?
weathering
erosion
deposition
sedimentation
Erosion represents a(n) ______ in volume.
increase
decrease
Deposition represents a(n) ______ in volume.
increase
decrease
What is the main source behind sudden rock falls and landslides?
the sun
gravity
What is the main source of energy that powers weathering, erosion, and deposition?
gravity
the sun
What type of physical weathering could cause a rock to break apart?
abrasion of the surface caused by rocks being moved under a sliding glacier
gravity acting upon the loose rocks and dirt in the area
water freezing in the rock crevasses
_____ is molten rock inside Earth
lava
magma
_____ is molten rock on Earth's surface.
lava
magma
Cooling magma below ground and cooling lava above ground both form _____.
sedimentary rock
igneous rock
metamorphic rock
________ rock forms when magma pushes into the rock below Earth's surface and cools.
intrusive igneous rock
extrusive igneous rock
sedimentary rock
metamorphic rock
______ rock forms when lava erupts onto Earth's surface.
intrusive igneous rock
extrusive igneous rock
sedimentary rock
metamorphic rock
All intrusive rock remains underground.
true
false
_____ rocks form when sediments are compacted together by new minerals.
metamorphic rock
igneous rock
sedimentary rock
______ rocks may form from the remains of fossils of once-living plants and animals.
sedimentary rock
intrusive igneous rock
extrusive igneous rock
metamorphic rock
Sedimentary rock forms ______.
quickly
slowly over time
What type of rock forms when large changes of temperature, pressure, or both cause the texture and mineral content of existing rock to change?
sedimentary rock
metamorphic rock
igneous rock
All three kinds of rocks can change into new metamorphic rock.
true
false
The formation of metamorphic rock is generally a ______ process.
very quick
very slow
Metamorphic rock may be moved to the surface by uplift or after erosion removes layers of rock.
true
false
A _____ is the edge of a continent that is underwater.
continental shelf
rift valley
linear sea
ocean basin
A giant continuous mountain range on the ocean floor is a _____.
mid-ocean ridge
deep-ocean trench
rift valley
linear sea
The deepest valleys on Earth's surfaces are _____.
mid-ocean ridges
deep-ocean trenches
rift valleys
ocean basins
Deep-ocean trenches form where the ocean floor is _____ enough to sink into Earth's interior.
cool and dense
warm
warm and dense
cool
The motion at _____ cause earthquakes.
valleys
trenches
linear seas
mountains
What are the large moving pieces of Earth's surface?
mountains
valleys
tectonic plates
rift plates
Slow cycling of the mostly solid interior of Earth is called _____.
tectonic plates
Pangea
convection currents
tectonic currents
Which of Earth's subsystems includes all of the gases in a layer that surrounds Earth?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Which of Earth's subsystems includes all living organisms?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Which of Earth's subsystems includes all Earth's water?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
Which of Earth's subsystems includes all of the rocks, minerals, and landforms on Earth's surface and all the matter in Earth's interior?
geosphere
atmosphere
biosphere
hydrosphere
