Vocab
Melted rock beneath Earth’s surface
Magma
What are the three main layers of the Earth?
The three main layers of the Earth are the crust, mantle, and core.
Which layer of the Earth is the hottest? a. Crust b. Mantle c. Core d. Surface
c. Core
Why can scientists not stop volcanoes or earthquakes?
Scientists cannot stop volcanoes or earthquakes because they are natural processes caused by movement inside the Earth.
When lava, ash, and gas escape from a volcano
Eruption
The outer layer of the Earth
Crust
What is the difference between magma and lava?
Magma is melted rock beneath Earth’s surface, and lava is melted rock that has reached the surface.
What causes an earthquake?
a. Wind moving rocks
b. Plates suddenly shifting along a fault
c. Rain soaking into the ground
d. Lava cooling
b. Plates suddenly shifting along a fault
What clues help scientists predict volcanic eruptions?
Scientists look for clues such as small earthquakes, gas release, and ground swelling to predict eruptions.
A volcano that may erupt again
Dormant
Melted rock that reaches Earth’s surface
Lava
Why do earthquakes and volcanoes often happen near tectonic plate boundaries?
Earthquakes and volcanoes often happen near tectonic plate boundaries because plates move and create pressure.
Lava is different from magma because lava:
a. Is colder
b. Is underground
c. Has reached Earth’s surface
d. Is solid rock
c. Has reached Earth’s surface
Explain how tectonic plates affect Earth’s surface.
Tectonic plates affect Earth’s surface by moving and causing earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains, and changes to the land.
A volcano that is erupting or likely to erupt
Active
Large pieces of Earth’s crust that move slowly
Tectonic plates
What is a fault, and how is it related to earthquakes?
A fault is a crack in Earth’s crust where plates move, causing earthquakes.
Which term describes a volcano that is quiet now but may erupt again? a. Active b. Extinct c. Dormant d. Eroded
c. Dormant
Describe what happens during a volcanic eruption.
During a volcanic eruption, magma rises to the surface as lava along with ash and gases.
The thick layer beneath the crust
Mantle
A crack in Earth’s crust
Fault
The study of the makeup of the earth and the processes that change and shape it is called ___________.
Geology
Most volcanoes are found: a. In the middle of continents b. Near tectonic plate boundaries c. Only underwater d. Far from faults
b. Near tectonic plate boundaries
How do scientists study Earth’s processes if they cannot see inside the Earth?
Scientists study Earth’s processes by using tools like seismographs, studying rocks, and observing surface changes.
The hot center of the Earth
Core