Earth’s Interior (EI)
Plate Tectonics (PT)
Moon & Tides (MT)
Seismic Waves (SW)
Mystery Round (MR)
100
What solid substance is found in Earth’s inner core?
Solid, stable iron
100
What is the theory of continental drift?
One of the earliest ways geologists thought continents moved over time.
100
What phase of the moon occurs about 14 days after a new moon?
Full Moon
100
What type of wave cannot travel through liquids?
Shear (S) waves
100
What type of rock forms from cooled magma?
Igneous rock
200
Which two elements are commonly found in the lower mantle?
Magnesium and iron
200
What causes tectonic plates to move according to current theory?
Mantle convection
200
Why does the Moon’s gravity affect tides on Earth?
The gravitational pull of the Moon creates bulges in Earth's oceans, causing high and low tides.
200
What layer is identified by the sudden absence of shear waves?
Outer core
200
How do magnetic stripes on the ocean floor support seafloor spreading?
Symmetrical patterns of magnetic polarity show new crust forming and spreading from mid-ocean ridges.
300
Explain how seismic wave speed changes indicate a change in density within Earth's layers.
A sudden increase or decrease in velocity suggests a boundary where material density changes, like between the mantle and outer core.
300
Predict how increased subduction zones affect sea level and explain why.
More subduction means more water entering the mantle, potentially lowering sea levels due to storage of water deep in Earth.
300
If the Moon moves 2.5 cm away from Earth every year, what happens to the difference between high and low tide after 1 million years?
The difference decreases — tides become weaker.
300
Describe how the velocity of compressional waves helps scientists identify Earth’s inner core.
A sharp increase in velocity indicates the presence of solid material (solid iron).
300
Based on lunar calendar patterns, how can you predict the next full moon?
Full moons occur approximately every 29.5 days. By tracking phases, you can estimate the next one.
400
What is the inner core made of?
solid and stable iron
400
What are the three types of boundaries?
Convergent, Divergent, and Transform
400
What happens to the moon when a solar eclipse occurs?
The moon will be covered by the sun.
400
How do earthquakes occur?
When rock beneath Earth's surface moves.
400
Describe how changes in tectonic activity can create a feedback loop that affects the hydrosphere and atmosphere.
Increased tectonic activity increases volcanic eruptions, releasing gases that can warm the atmosphere. More subduction zones can store water, lowering sea levels.
500
What is the crust made of?
Basalt
500
What kind of boundary does Iceland has?
Midatlantic Ridge
500
What happens when a lunar eclipse occurs what happens to the moon?
The moon covers the sun.
500
How do seismic waves travel through Earth's interior?
Seismic waves are caused by Primary and Secondary waves (S & P waves).
500
During which Moon phase might a solar eclipse be viewed on Earth?
A solar eclipse can only occur during a New Moonphase.