Physical Processes On Earth
Identify the following Physical Processes as they pertain to Earth's activities.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
This picture best shows which of the following?
- A.
Subduction
- B.
The creation of a rift valley
- C.
Erosion
- D.
Weathering
Correct Answer
A. SubductionExplanation
This picture best shows subduction because it depicts one tectonic plate being forced underneath another plate. This process occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates collide. The subducting plate is pushed down into the mantle, creating a subduction zone. This picture likely shows the formation of a trench, which is a characteristic feature of subduction zones.Rate this question:
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- 2.
When two plates collide and move past one another, which of the following is most likely to occur?
- A.
Earthquake
- B.
Weathering
- C.
Tornado
- D.
Erosion of the earth's coastal areas
Correct Answer
A. EarthquakeExplanation
When two plates collide and move past one another, it can result in a release of energy that causes the Earth's crust to shake, leading to an earthquake. This is because the collision and movement of the plates cause stress to build up along the fault line, and when the stress becomes too great, it is released in the form of seismic waves, causing the ground to shake. Weathering, tornadoes, and erosion of the earth's coastal areas are not directly related to plate collisions and are therefore less likely to occur in this scenario.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Waves Winds Running water Ice The items in the list above cause which of the following?
- A.
Tornadoes
- B.
Tectonic Plate Movement
- C.
Weathering or Erosion
- D.
Tsunamis
Correct Answer
C. Weathering or ErosionExplanation
Weathering or erosion can be caused by all of the items listed above. Waves can erode coastlines, winds can erode rocks and soil, running water can cause both weathering and erosion by carrying away sediment, and ice can weather rocks through freeze-thaw cycles. Therefore, all of these items can contribute to weathering or erosion processes.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What happens when a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide?
- A.
The continental plate slides under the oceanic plate
- B.
The oceanic plate slides along the continental plate
- C.
The continental plate is pushed up to form mountains
- D.
The two plates create a rift valley
Correct Answer
C. The continental plate is pushed up to form mountainsExplanation
When a continental plate and an oceanic plate collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced underneath the less dense continental plate. This process is known as subduction. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it creates intense pressure and heat, causing the continental plate to buckle and fold. This uplifts and deforms the continental crust, leading to the formation of mountains. This is evident in various mountain ranges around the world, such as the Andes and the Himalayas, which were formed due to the collision of continental and oceanic plates.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What two procccess cause small incremental change on Earth's surface?
- A.
Erosion and Weathering
- B.
Volcanic Eruptions and Tidal Waves
- C.
Earthquakes and Landslides
- D.
Rivers and Tsunamis
Correct Answer
A. Erosion and WeatheringExplanation
Erosion and weathering are two processes that cause small incremental changes on Earth's surface. Erosion refers to the gradual wearing away of rocks and soil by wind, water, or ice, while weathering refers to the breakdown of rocks and minerals into smaller particles through physical or chemical processes. Both erosion and weathering contribute to the shaping of Earth's surface over long periods of time, as they gradually remove and transport materials, leading to the formation of landforms such as valleys, canyons, and sediment deposits.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Check the following items that are caused by an Earthquake.
- A.
Deposition
- B.
Tsunamis
- C.
Tornadoes
- D.
Rift Valleys
- E.
Landslides
Correct Answer(s)
B. Tsunamis
E. LandslidesExplanation
Earthquakes can cause tsunamis and landslides. Tsunamis are large ocean waves that are triggered by underwater earthquakes or landslides. When an earthquake occurs under the ocean floor, it can displace a large volume of water, creating a tsunami. Landslides can also be triggered by earthquakes, especially in hilly or mountainous areas. The shaking of the ground during an earthquake can cause unstable slopes to give way, resulting in landslides. Therefore, both tsunamis and landslides are known to be caused by earthquakes.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What process causes a mountain to get smaller and smaller when the wind sweeps its soil away a little at a time?
- A.
Erosion
- B.
Earthquake
- C.
Volcanoes
- D.
Continental Drift
Correct Answer
A. ErosionExplanation
Erosion is the process that causes a mountain to get smaller and smaller when the wind sweeps its soil away a little at a time. Erosion refers to the gradual wearing away of land or rock surfaces through the action of wind, water, ice, or other geological factors. In this case, the wind carries away the loose soil from the mountain, gradually eroding and reducing its size over time.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Water in a stream slowly wears away at the rock it moves past. This refers to
- A.
Earthquakes
- B.
Tsunamis
- C.
Erosion
- D.
Deposition
Correct Answer
C. ErosionExplanation
The given correct answer is erosion. Erosion is the process in which water, wind, or ice gradually wears away the surface of the earth, often resulting in the removal of soil or rock. In this case, the water in the stream is slowly wearing away at the rock it moves past, which is a clear example of erosion. Earthquakes and tsunamis are not related to the gradual wearing away of rock by water, and deposition refers to the process of depositing sediments or materials in a new location, which is the opposite of erosion. Therefore, the correct answer is erosion.Rate this question:
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- 9.
When a river picks up small particles of soil, rocks, and other materials and moves them down the river leaving them miles from where they originated. This is known as...
- A.
Deposition
- B.
Volcanic Eruption
- C.
Continental Drift
- D.
Tsunamis
Correct Answer
A. DepositionExplanation
Deposition is the correct answer because it refers to the process of a river carrying and depositing small particles of soil, rocks, and other materials downstream. This process occurs when the river's velocity decreases, causing it to drop the sediments it was carrying. Over time, this can lead to the formation of new landforms, such as deltas and alluvial plains, as the deposited materials accumulate and settle.Rate this question:
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- 10.
When two plates pull apart from one another they create...
- A.
Earthquakes
- B.
Volcanoes
- C.
Rift Valleys
- D.
Tsunamis
Correct Answer
C. Rift ValleysExplanation
When two tectonic plates pull apart from one another, they create a geological feature known as a rift valley. This occurs when the Earth's crust is stretched and thinned, causing the land to sink and create a long, narrow depression. Rift valleys are often characterized by steep walls and flat bottoms, and they can be found on land or underwater. This process is associated with the movement of divergent plate boundaries, where new crust is formed as magma rises to the surface.Rate this question:
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Sep 03, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Apr 01, 2012Quiz Created by
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