Earth Science Chapter 8 & 9

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  • 1/33 Questions

    Movements after a major earthquake that often generate smaller earthquakes are called

    • Aftershocks
    • Surface waves
    • Landslides
    • Foreshocks
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About This Quiz

Quiz on Chapter 8 & 9 from the Prentice Hall Earth Science textbook.

Earth Science Chapter 8 & 9 - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    A destructive wave caused by an earthquake in the ocean floor is called a

    • P wave

    • Moho

    • S wave

    • Tsunami

    Correct Answer
    A. Tsunami
    Explanation
    A destructive wave caused by an earthquake in the ocean floor is called a tsunami. Tsunamis are large ocean waves that are generated by seismic activity, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. These waves can travel across the ocean at high speeds and can cause significant damage and destruction when they reach coastal areas. Tsunamis are known for their ability to cause widespread flooding and can be extremely dangerous to human life and infrastructure.

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  • 3. 

    The point at which an earthquake begins is called

    • The Moho

    • The epicenter

    • A foreshock

    • The focus

    Correct Answer
    A. The focus
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "the focus." The focus refers to the exact point within the Earth's crust where an earthquake originates. It is the underground location where the seismic energy is released and the rocks break due to the stress buildup. The epicenter, on the other hand, is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus. The Moho is the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle, and a foreshock is a smaller earthquake that occurs before the main earthquake.

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  • 4. 

    According to Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift, the continents once formed a single supercontinent called 

    • Panamerica

    • Atlantis

    • Euroamerica

    • Pangaea

    Correct Answer
    A. Pangaea
    Explanation
    Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift suggests that the continents were once connected as a single supercontinent called Pangaea. This theory explains the similarities in geological formations, fossils, and climate patterns found across different continents. Wegener proposed that over time, the continents drifted apart due to the movement of tectonic plates. Pangaea is widely accepted by scientists as it provides a logical explanation for the distribution of continents and the geological history of the Earth.

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  • 5. 

    The location on the surface directly above the earthquake focus is called the

    • Fault

    • Magnitude

    • Epicenter

    • Moho

    Correct Answer
    A. Epicenter
    Explanation
    The location on the surface directly above the earthquake focus is called the epicenter. This is the point where the seismic waves originating from the focus first reach the surface. By studying the distribution of earthquake waves recorded at different locations, scientists can determine the epicenter and gain insights into the source and characteristics of the earthquake. The epicenter is an important parameter in earthquake monitoring and emergency response systems.

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  • 6. 

    In areas where soil is saturated with water, earthquakes can turn stable soil into liquid during a process called

    • Subsidence

    • Liquefaction

    • Faulting

    • Tsunamis

    Correct Answer
    A. Liquefaction
    Explanation
    In areas where soil is saturated with water, earthquakes can cause the soil to lose its strength and behave like a liquid. This process is known as liquefaction. During an earthquake, the shaking can cause the water-saturated soil particles to lose contact with each other, resulting in a loss of shear strength. As a result, the soil behaves like a liquid, causing buildings and structures to sink or tilt. Liquefaction can lead to significant damage and is a common phenomenon in areas with loose, water-saturated soils during seismic activity.

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  • 7. 

    Earth's crust and the uppermost part of the mantle is called the 

    • Moho

    • Asthenosphere

    • Mesosphere

    • Lithosphere

    Correct Answer
    A. Lithosphere
    Explanation
    The correct answer is lithosphere. The lithosphere refers to the rigid outer layer of the Earth, which includes the Earth's crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is divided into several tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. The lithosphere is responsible for the formation of continents, ocean basins, and the occurrence of tectonic activities such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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  • 8. 

    When the magnetic field lines up in the opposite direction, it is said to have ________

    • Paleomagnetism

    • Normal polarity

    • Magnetic pole

    • Reverse polarity

    Correct Answer
    A. Reverse polarity
    Explanation
    When the magnetic field lines up in the opposite direction, it is said to have reverse polarity. This means that the magnetic north and south poles have switched places compared to their usual positions. This phenomenon has been observed in the Earth's magnetic field, where the magnetic poles have reversed multiple times throughout history. This reversal of polarity has important implications for paleomagnetism, the study of Earth's ancient magnetic field recorded in rocks and sediments.

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  • 9. 

    How many major plates are there on Earth?

    • 7

    • 10

    • 5

    • 3

    Correct Answer
    A. 7
    Explanation
    There are seven major plates on Earth. These plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. They are constantly moving and interacting with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains and oceanic trenches. The seven major plates are the African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Eurasian Plate, North American Plate, South American Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and Pacific Plate.

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  • 10. 

    Push-pull waves that push (or compress) and pull (or expand) particles in the direction the waves travel are called

    • Surface waves

    • P waves

    • S waves

    • Body waves

    Correct Answer
    A. P waves
    Explanation
    P waves are a type of seismic waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases. They are also known as primary waves because they are the first waves to be detected during an earthquake. P waves cause particles to move in a push-pull motion, similar to the way a slinky compresses and expands. This motion allows P waves to travel through the Earth in a straight line, making them the fastest seismic waves. Therefore, the correct answer is P waves.

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  • 11. 

    A break in the lithosphere is called a

    • Fault creep

    • Seismic gap

    • Epicenter

    • Fault

    Correct Answer
    A. Fault
    Explanation
    A break in the lithosphere is called a fault. A fault occurs when there is a fracture or displacement in the rocks that make up the Earth's crust. Faults can be caused by tectonic forces, such as the movement of tectonic plates, or by other geological processes. Faults are important in the study of geology and seismology because they can cause earthquakes when the rocks on either side of the fault slip or slide past each other. Faults can vary in size and shape, and they are classified based on the direction of the movement of the rocks along the fault line.

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  • 12. 

    What hypothesis is Alfred Wegener best known for?

    • Sea-floor spreading

    • Continental drift

    • Subduction

    • Plate tectonics

    Correct Answer
    A. Continental drift
    Explanation
    Alfred Wegener is best known for the hypothesis of continental drift. This theory proposed that the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart to their current positions. Wegener supported this hypothesis with evidence from fossil records, rock formations, and the fit of the continents' coastlines. Although initially met with skepticism, his theory laid the foundation for the development of the modern theory of plate tectonics.

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  • 13. 

    A rising column of hot, solid mantle rock is called a

    • Ridge-push

    • Mantle plume

    • Slab-pull

    • Mantle push

    Correct Answer
    A. Mantle plume
    Explanation
    A rising column of hot, solid mantle rock is called a mantle plume. Mantle plumes are thought to be responsible for creating volcanic hotspots, such as the Hawaiian Islands. These plumes originate from deep within the Earth's mantle and can cause the overlying lithosphere to uplift and create volcanic activity. This process is believed to be one of the driving forces behind plate tectonics and the movement of the Earth's crust.

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  • 14. 

    When deformed rock along a fault springs back after an earthquake it is called 

    • Elastic energy

    • Slippage

    • Elastic rebound

    • Ground vibrations

    Correct Answer
    A. Elastic rebound
    Explanation
    When rock along a fault is deformed during an earthquake, it stores potential energy in the form of elastic deformation. Once the stress on the rock exceeds its strength, it rapidly releases this stored energy, causing the rock to spring back to its original shape. This phenomenon is known as elastic rebound. It is the mechanism responsible for the release of seismic energy during an earthquake and the subsequent shaking of the ground.

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  • 15. 

    Complex mountain systems such as the Appalachians and the Himalayas were formed by

    • Continental-continental convergence

    • Oceanic-continental convergence

    • Continental volcanic arcs

    • Oceanic-oceanic convergence

    Correct Answer
    A. Continental-continental convergence
    Explanation
    The correct answer is continental-continental convergence. This is because complex mountain systems like the Appalachians and the Himalayas are formed when two continental plates collide and push against each other. This collision causes the crust to buckle and fold, resulting in the formation of mountains.

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  • 16. 

    The evidence Wegener presented to support his hypothesis of continental drift was

    • Similar fossils, matching types of rocks, and glacial deposits

    • Different types of rocks and glacial deposits

    • Icebergs and similar fossils

    • Matching types of rocks and Mesosaurus fossils

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Similar fossils, matching types of rocks, and glacial deposits
    Explanation
    Wegener presented similar fossils, matching types of rocks, and glacial deposits as evidence to support his hypothesis of continental drift. These pieces of evidence suggest that continents were once connected and have since moved apart. Similar fossils found on different continents indicate that these land masses were once joined and the organisms could freely move between them. Matching types of rocks and glacial deposits across continents also suggest that they were once part of the same landmass. This evidence supports Wegener's theory that continents were once together in a single supercontinent called Pangaea and have since drifted apart.

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  • 17. 

    Some parts of the fault show a slow, gradual movement known as

    • Fault creep

    • Fault scarp

    • Slippage

    • Fractures

    Correct Answer
    A. Fault creep
    Explanation
    Fault creep refers to the slow and gradual movement along a fault line without any sudden release of energy or seismic activity. It occurs when the tectonic plates are under stress, causing them to slowly slip past each other. This movement is often imperceptible to humans and does not result in any significant deformation or damage to the Earth's surface. Fault creep is an important process in understanding the behavior and dynamics of fault lines, and it helps scientists monitor and predict seismic activity in earthquake-prone areas.

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  • 18. 

    Transform fault boundaries occur where

    • Two of Earth's plates move together

    • Two of Earth's plates grind past each other

    • Two of Earth's plates move apart

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Two of Earth's plates grind past each other
    Explanation
    Transform fault boundaries occur where two of Earth's plates grind past each other. This type of boundary is characterized by horizontal movement along a fault line, where the plates slide in opposite directions. This movement can result in earthquakes as the plates become locked and then suddenly release their built-up energy. An example of a transform fault boundary is the San Andreas Fault in California, where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate are sliding past each other.

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  • 19. 

    The San Andreas Fault is a geographic example of a 

    • Divergent boundary

    • Transform fault boundary

    • Subduction

    • Convergent boundary

    Correct Answer
    A. Transform fault boundary
    Explanation
    The San Andreas Fault is a well-known example of a transform fault boundary. Transform boundaries occur when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. In the case of the San Andreas Fault, the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate are moving in opposite directions, causing the fault line to form. This type of boundary is characterized by frequent earthquakes as the plates grind against each other.

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  • 20. 

    Convergent boundaries can form between

    • Two pieces of oceanic lithosphere

    • Continental and oceanic lithosphere

    • Two pieces of continental lithosphere

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Convergent boundaries can form between two pieces of oceanic lithosphere, continental and oceanic lithosphere, and two pieces of continental lithosphere. This is because convergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates collide, and these collisions can happen between any combination of oceanic and continental lithosphere.

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  • 21. 

    The composition of the continental crust is

    • Metallic meteorites

    • Basaltic rock

    • Granodiorite

    • Gabbro rock

    Correct Answer
    A. Granodiorite
    Explanation
    Granodiorite is a type of intrusive igneous rock that is commonly found in the continental crust. It is composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and a smaller amount of mica and amphibole minerals. This rock type is formed through the slow cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Granodiorite is typically light in color and has a medium to coarse-grained texture. It is an important component of the continental crust, contributing to its overall composition and geological characteristics.

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  • 22. 

    Most scientist rejected Wegener's continental drift hypothesis because he could not describe a _________ capable of moving the continents. 

    • Process

    • Mechanism

    • Theory

    • Shield

    Correct Answer
    A. Mechanism
    Explanation
    Wegener's continental drift hypothesis proposed that the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and had gradually moved apart over time. However, scientists rejected this hypothesis because Wegener could not provide a mechanism that could explain how the continents could move. Without a mechanism, the hypothesis lacked scientific credibility. Therefore, the correct answer is "mechanism."

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  • 23. 

    The oceanic crust is composed of 

    • Basaltic and gabbro rock

    • Stony meteorites

    • Granodiorite

    • Basaltic rock

    Correct Answer
    A. Basaltic and gabbro rock
    Explanation
    The oceanic crust is composed of basaltic and gabbro rock. Basaltic rock is formed from solidified lava and is the most common rock type in the oceanic crust. Gabbro rock is formed from the slow cooling of magma beneath the Earth's surface and is also found in the oceanic crust. These two types of rocks make up the majority of the oceanic crust, which is the outermost layer of the Earth's lithosphere beneath the oceans.

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  • 24. 

    Waves that can travel through both liquids and solids are called 

    • Transverse waves

    • Surface waves

    • P waves

    • Body waves

    Correct Answer
    A. P waves
    Explanation
    P waves, also known as primary waves or pressure waves, are seismic waves that can travel through both liquids and solids. These waves are characterized by their ability to compress and expand the material they pass through, causing particles to move in the same direction as the wave. P waves are the fastest seismic waves and are the first to be detected during an earthquake. They can travel through the Earth's interior, including its liquid outer core, unlike transverse waves and surface waves which can only travel through solids. Therefore, P waves are the correct answer in this case.

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  • 25. 

    A more precise means of measuring earthquakes is called the

    • Richter scale

    • Seismograph

    • Moment magnitude scale

    • Modified mercalli scale

    Correct Answer
    A. Moment magnitude scale
    Explanation
    The moment magnitude scale is a more precise means of measuring earthquakes. It takes into account the total energy released by an earthquake, which is calculated based on the area of the fault that slipped, the average amount of slip along the fault, and the rigidity of the rocks involved. This scale provides a more accurate and consistent measure of the earthquake's size, allowing for better comparison and analysis of seismic events. The Richter scale, seismograph, and modified Mercalli scale are also used in studying earthquakes, but they have limitations and are not as precise as the moment magnitude scale.

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  • 26. 

    The boundary that separates the crust from the underlying mantle is called

    • Lithosphere

    • Shadow zone

    • Moho

    • Athenosphere

    Correct Answer
    A. Moho
    Explanation
    The boundary that separates the crust from the underlying mantle is called the Moho. The Moho, also known as the Mohorovičić discontinuity, was named after the Croatian seismologist Andrija Mohorovičić, who discovered it in 1909. It is characterized by a significant increase in seismic wave velocities, indicating a change in composition and density between the crust and mantle. The Moho is an important boundary in understanding the structure and composition of the Earth's interior.

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  • 27. 

    In _______ the force of gravity pulls old ocean lithosphere down into the deep mantle.

    • Ridge-push and slab-pull

    • Ridge-push

    • Mantle plume

    • Slab-pull

    Correct Answer
    A. Slab-pull
    Explanation
    Slab-pull is the correct answer because it refers to the force of gravity pulling old ocean lithosphere down into the deep mantle. This occurs when a denser oceanic plate sinks beneath a less dense plate at a convergent boundary. As the sinking plate descends into the mantle, it pulls the rest of the lithosphere behind it, creating a pulling force known as slab-pull. This process is one of the main driving forces behind plate tectonics and the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates.

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  • 28. 

    When Earth's magnetic field lines up in the same direction as the present magnetic field, it is said to have __________  

    • Reverse polarity

    • Normal polarity

    • Paleomagnetism

    • Magnetic properties

    Correct Answer
    A. Normal polarity
    Explanation
    When Earth's magnetic field lines up in the same direction as the present magnetic field, it is said to have normal polarity. This means that the magnetic north pole aligns with the geographic north pole, and the magnetic south pole aligns with the geographic south pole. This is the current state of Earth's magnetic field, where the magnetic field lines run from the magnetic north pole to the magnetic south pole.

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  • 29. 

    Waves that can travel through solids, but not liquids are called 

    • P waves

    • Surface waves

    • Transverse waves

    • Body waves

    Correct Answer
    A. Transverse waves
    Explanation
    Transverse waves are the correct answer because they are the type of waves that can travel through solids but not liquids. In transverse waves, the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This vibration is not possible in liquids as they lack the necessary structural rigidity. P waves, surface waves, and body waves are not limited to traveling through solids only, so they are not the correct answer.

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  • 30. 

    In _________ the stiff ocean lithosphere slides down the athenosphere that is elevated near mid-ocean ridges.

    • Slab-pull

    • Ridge-pull

    • Ridge-push

    • Slab-push

    Correct Answer
    A. Ridge-push
    Explanation
    Ridge-push is the correct answer because it explains the process where the stiff ocean lithosphere slides down the elevated athenosphere near mid-ocean ridges. This occurs because the lithosphere at the ridges is elevated due to the upwelling of magma, creating a slope that pushes the lithosphere away from the ridge. This ridge-push force contributes to the movement of tectonic plates and the overall process of plate tectonics.

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  • 31. 

    On the ocean floor what do the strips of low intensity magnetism represent? 

    • Areas of different types of rocks

    • Areas where the rock has normal polarity

    • Areas with no magnetism

    • Areas where the rocks have reverse polarity

    Correct Answer
    A. Areas where the rocks have reverse polarity
    Explanation
    The strips of low intensity magnetism on the ocean floor represent areas where the rocks have reverse polarity. This means that the magnetic field of these rocks is oriented in the opposite direction to the Earth's current magnetic field. This phenomenon is important in the study of plate tectonics and helps scientists understand the history and movement of the Earth's crust.

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  • 32. 

    The flow of metallic iron within the _______ generates Earth's magnetic field. 

    • Crust

    • Inner core

    • Mantle

    • Outer core

    Correct Answer
    A. Outer core
    Explanation
    The flow of metallic iron within the outer core generates Earth's magnetic field. The outer core is a layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the solid inner core. The movement of this liquid metal creates electric currents, which in turn generate a magnetic field. This magnetic field is responsible for protecting the Earth from harmful solar radiation and plays a crucial role in various geological processes.

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  • 33. 

    A range of volcanic mountains produced in part by subduction of oceanic lithosphere is called a

    • Continetal island arc

    • Volcanic island arc

    • Subduction zone

    • Continental volcanic arc

    Correct Answer
    A. Continental volcanic arc
    Explanation
    A continental volcanic arc is a range of volcanic mountains that is formed by the subduction of oceanic lithosphere beneath continental lithosphere. This process causes the melting of the subducted plate, leading to the formation of magma that rises to the surface and creates volcanic activity. The volcanic arc is located on the continental side of the subduction zone, and the volcanoes in this arc are typically explosive and composed of andesitic or rhyolitic lava. This type of volcanic arc is commonly found along the margins of continents where there is active subduction occurring.

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