Scientific Observations Earth Science

1) A ________ is a well-tested and widely accepted view that best explains certain scientific observations. A) hypothesis B) generalization C) law D) theory 2) The ________ explains how our solar system probably formed from a giant cloud of gases and dispersed solid particles. A) protogalactic theory B) nebular theory C) extrastellar solar hypothesis D) planetary compression theory 3) The ________ refers to the sum total of all life on Earth. A) hydrosphere B) atmosphere C) biosphere D) asthenosphere 4) In correct order from the center outward, Earth includes which units? A) core, inner mantle, outer mantle, crust B) inner core, outer core, mantle, crust C) inner core, crust, mantle, hydrosphere D) core, crust, mantle, hydrosphere 5) The composition of the Earth's inner core is thought to be ________. A) basalt B) granite C) peridotite D) solid iron-nickel alloy 6) The asthenosphere is actually a part of the ________ of the Earth. A) outer core B) crust C) inner core D) mantle 7) The ________ is the thinnest layer of the Earth. A) crust B) outer core C) mantle D) inner core 8) Which of the following energy sources is thought to drive the lateral motions of Earth's lithospheric plates? A) gravitational attractive forces of the Sun and Moon B) electrical and magnetic fields localized in the inner core C) export of heat from deep in the mantle to the top of the asthenosphere D) swirling movements of the molten iron particles in the outer core 9) Active mountain belts are most likely to be found ________. A) along the margins of continents B) in the interior regions of continents C) scattered throughout continents D) along only the eastern margins of continents 10) The continental shelf is located ________. A) between the continental slope and continental rise B) between the continental rise and the abyssal plains C) seaward of the continental slope D) landward of the continental slope 11) The most prominent feature on the ocean floor are the ________. A) deep-ocean trenches B) oceanic ridges C) seamounts D) lava plateaus 12) A(n) ________ system is one in which energy moves freely in and out, but no matter enters or leaves the system. A) closed B) open C) feedback D) equilibrated 13) What is the source of the energy that powers the Earth system? A) the Sun B) heat from Earth's interior C) both A and B D) none of the above 14) All of the following are possible steps of scientific investigation except for ________. A) the collection of scientific facts through observation and measurement B) assumption of conclusions without prior experimentation or observation C) the development of one or more working hypotheses or models to explain facts D) development of observations and experiments to test the hypotheses 15) The study of Earth's atmosphere is known as ________. A) astronomy B) oceanography C) meteorology D) cosmology 16) The four main sciences that make up Earth Science are… A) Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology and Astronomy B) Astronomy, Cosmology, Meteorology, Physical Geology C) Physical Geology, Historical Geology, Mineralogy, Atmospheric Science D) Geology, Oceanography, Petrology, Mineralogy 17) The ________ is thought to be a liquid, metallic region in the Earth's interior. A) inner core B) lithosphere C) mantle D) outer core 18) Hazardous Earth processes such as volcanoes, tsunami, floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are all ________ processes. A) man-made B) natural C) unnatural D) predictable 19) The ________ was developed by Earth scientists and divides the 4.6-billion-year history of Earth into many different units. A) Geologic Timetable B) Periodic Table C) Rock Cycle 20) The ________ is the relatively rigid zone above the asthenosphere that includes the crust and upper mantle. A) mantle B) lithosphere C) outer core D) inner core