Topic 3- Minerals and Rocks in the Geosphere

What is the main source of energy that drives the cycling of matter in the geosphere?

Granite is a rock composed of many different minerals. Minerals and rocks are classified based on several different properties. Which of the following properties is used specifically to classify rocks?

Earth’s inner and outer cores are similar in many ways. They differ, however, in one important property. Only one of these layers produces Earth’s magnetic field. Which statement correctly explains how the inner and outer core differ, and what produces the magnetic field?

Mario has observed convection currents in a pot of water on the stove. He also knows that convection currents move energy through the oceans. What valid conclusion can he draw about convection currents within Earth?

Benny uses a compass to navigate his way through the woods when he is camping. The needle on the compass reacts to Earth’s magnetic field by always pointing north. Which part of Earth is responsible for creating its magnetic field?

Evan examines a diagram of the rock cycle in his science textbook. He wonders how he can connect what he has learned about matter and energy to the rock cycle. Which statement explains what happens to material as it moves through the stages of the rock cycle?

A student is watching a video in order to understand how convection in the mantle of the Earth occurs. The video shows rock rising and sinking to make convection currents in the mantle. Which process is responsible for causing rock to rise?

Leah was having a picnic in a park near a cliff. She noticed that the rocks in the cliff were layered, and she was able to easily chip several fossils out of the rocks. What type of rock was in the cliff?

Sedimentary rock is formed in layers. It follows a process of formation through deposition, compaction, and cementation. When sedimentary rock is melted by high heat and then cools, what kind of rock does it form?

Geologists have been on a quest to drill down to the mantle for several decades. The goal is to learn more about volcanoes, earthquakes, and how the planet works. The deepest hole so far is the Kola Superdeep Borehole in Russia. Over 20 years, a team drilled down 40,230 feet. That’s only halfway to the mantle in that spot. The team encountered unexpectedly high temperatures that ruined their equipment. In addition, high pressure caused the rocks to ooze and fill the borehole over and over. How does pressure change as you move from Earth’s surface to the inner core?

What is the mechanism by which tectonic plate motions are driven?

Geysers are geothermal hot springs that erupt from time to time, spraying super-hot water and steam sometimes hundreds of feet into the air from holes or vents in the ground. Which of these subsurface events is the most important in causing geysers?

In Florida, most of the rocks that are underground are a type of soft, white rock called limestone. If limestone is underwater for a long period of time, it begins to dissolve. Which of these processes most likely causes this change?