1.
What are the four major layers on the Earth's core?
Correct Answer
A. The inner core, the outer core, the mantle, the crust
Explanation
The Earth's core is composed of four major layers: the inner core, the outer core, the mantle, and the crust. The inner core is the solid, innermost layer made of solid iron and nickel. Surrounding the inner core is the outer core, which is a liquid layer made of molten iron and nickel. Above the outer core is the mantle, a semi-solid layer made of hot, dense rock. Finally, the outermost layer is the crust, which is a thin, solid layer that forms the Earth's surface.
2.
What is the Earth's core made up of?
Correct Answer
B. Rock and Metal
Explanation
The Earth's core is made up of rock and metal. This is supported by scientific evidence and theories that suggest the Earth's core consists of a solid inner core made mostly of iron and nickel, surrounded by a liquid outer core made of molten iron and nickel. The presence of these metallic elements is believed to be responsible for generating the Earth's magnetic field.
3.
What are the Tectonic Plates?
Correct Answer
D. The Earth’s surface that consist of a number of rigid, but moving pieces or plates
Explanation
Tectonic plates are the Earth's surface that consist of a number of rigid, but moving pieces or plates. These plates are constantly in motion and can slide past each other. This movement is responsible for various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.
4.
What is the earth's mantle composed mainly of?
Correct Answer
A. Olivine-rich rock
Explanation
The earth's mantle is composed mainly of olivine-rich rock. Olivine is a common mineral found in the mantle and is made up of magnesium, iron, and silica. It is a dense and greenish mineral that makes up a significant portion of the mantle's composition. Olivine-rich rock is formed under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the earth, and it plays a crucial role in the dynamics and structure of the planet's interior.
5.
How thick is the mantle in kilometers? (approx)
Correct Answer
C. 3,000
Explanation
The mantle is a layer of the Earth located between the crust and the core. It is primarily composed of solid rock and extends to a depth of about 2,900 kilometers. Therefore, the correct answer is 3,000, which is the closest option to the actual thickness of the mantle.
6.
What is the only layer on the mantle?
Correct Answer
B. The crust
Explanation
The crust is the correct answer because it is the outermost layer of the Earth's surface. It is composed of solid rocks and is divided into two types: the continental crust, which forms the landmasses, and the oceanic crust, which forms the ocean floor. The mantle, on the other hand, is the layer beneath the crust and is made up of semi-solid rock. Therefore, the crust is the only layer on top of the mantle.
7.
Which layer of the Earth is composed primarily of solid iron and nickel?
Correct Answer
D. Inner core
Explanation
The Earth's inner core is the deepest layer, and it is composed mainly of solid iron and nickel. The extreme pressure at this depth keeps the metals in a solid state despite the high temperatures.
8.
What is a hot spot?
Correct Answer
A. A fragile spot in one of Earth’s plates and a stationary plume of magma erupts through it
Explanation
A hot spot refers to a fragile spot in one of Earth's plates where a stationary plume of magma erupts through it. This explanation suggests that hot spots occur when there is a weak point in the Earth's plates and magma is able to break through the surface. It implies that hot spots are not caused by the movement of plates sliding past each other, but rather by the eruption of magma from a fixed location.
9.
What is subduction?
Correct Answer
C. When two plates crash towards each other, one plate is forced under the other. The underlying plate melts into magma and can erupt through the overlying plate as a volcano
Explanation
Subduction is the process where two tectonic plates collide and one plate is forced beneath the other. This collision causes the underlying plate to melt into magma, which can then rise and erupt through the overlying plate, forming a volcano.
10.
What are the agents of erosion?
Correct Answer
B. Water, wind, ice, and waves
Explanation
The correct answer is "Water, wind, ice, and waves." These are the agents of erosion because they all have the ability to wear away and transport materials from one place to another. Water can erode through its force and ability to dissolve minerals. Wind can erode by picking up and carrying small particles. Ice can erode through the process of freezing and thawing, which can break apart rocks. Waves can erode coastlines through their constant pounding and movement of sediment. These agents play a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface over time.
11.
What is Erosion?
Correct Answer
A. Known as weathering breaks up rocks so that they can be carried away
Explanation
Erosion is the process by which rock, soil, and other materials are gradually worn away and transported by natural forces such as water, wind, and ice. It is a combination of various physical and chemical processes that break down and transport Earth's surface materials. Erosion often works in conjunction with weathering, which is the process of breaking down rocks and minerals into smaller particles without transporting them.
12.
What do mid-ocean ridges have
Correct Answer
C. Deep valleys along their entire length
Explanation
Mid-ocean ridges have deep valleys along their entire length. This is because mid-ocean ridges are formed by the divergence of tectonic plates, where new oceanic crust is created. As the plates move apart, magma rises to fill the gap and solidifies, creating new crust. The process also creates deep valleys, known as rift valleys, along the length of the ridge. These valleys are formed as the crust is pulled apart and the underlying mantle is exposed. Therefore, the correct answer is that mid-ocean ridges have deep valleys along their entire length.
13.
What is another name for diverging boundaries?
Correct Answer
B. Spending centers
Explanation
Another name for diverging boundaries is "spreading centers." Diverging boundaries, also known as spreading centers or divergent plate boundaries, are places on Earth's surface where tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma from the mantle to rise, cool, and solidify, forming new crust. These boundaries are often associated with mid-ocean ridges, such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the seafloor spreading process occurs. Spreading centers play a crucial role in the theory of plate tectonics and contribute to the continuous reshaping of Earth's surface over millions of years.
14.
What are sliding boundaries?
Correct Answer
A. When plates slide past each other
Explanation
Sliding boundaries refer to the movement of tectonic plates as they slide past each other. This type of plate boundary is known as a transform boundary. Transform boundaries are characterized by horizontal movement where the plates grind against each other in opposite directions. This movement can result in earthquakes as the plates become locked and release energy when they finally slip past each other.
15.
What does Converging Boundaries(Collision) cause?
Correct Answer
B. Causes the lithospHere at the boundary to be pushed upward in a mountain or range.
Explanation
Converging boundaries cause mountain formation, volcanism, and lithosphere recycling. When tectonic plates collide, the denser plate subducts beneath the lighter plate, leading to the creation of volcanoes and volcanic arcs. The compression of the Earth's crust results in uplifted mountain ranges, while subduction recycles lithosphere material into new crust. These processes shape Earth's surface over time.