About the Earth

Question 1

is a scientist’s best guess at an answer to a question.

Answer 1

hypothesis

Question 1

A hypothesis that can consistently be proven true can become an explanation for observations, or a

Answer 1

theory

Question 2

If the same results are achieved over and over again without significant differences, that theory can rise to the level of

Answer 2

law

Question 3

Convergent plate movement can create all of the following EXCEPT

Answer 3

Valleys

Question 4

Sea levels can rise but cannot become lower.

Answer 4

False

Question 5

The solid portion of the earth is the

Answer 5

Lithosphere

Question 6

Why are theories sometimes disproven?

Answer 6

-New discoveries show they are incorrect.

Question 7

Most of the world’s fresh water is found in

Answer 7

icebergs

Question 8

The example of submarines exploring the ocean floor is used to illustrate that

Answer 8

-technology makes advances in marine science possible.

Question 9

The island chain of Hawaii was created by which of the following?

Answer 9

Volcanic eruptions

Question 10

To become a theory, a hypothesis must

Answer 10

-have numerous experiments consistently prove it true.

Question 11

Which of the following is true of oceanic plates?

Answer 11

-They are heavier than continental plates.

Question 12

The borders of plates never change.

Answer 12

False

Question 13

is defined as the study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world using observation and experiment.

Answer 13

Science

Question 14

which is a measurable change in the level of the world’s oceans.

Answer 14

eustatic change

Question 15

places where the magma beneath the surface is hotter than the other magma in the area

Answer 15

hot spots

Question 16

also known as a tsunami

Answer 16

seismic sea wave

Question 17

The magma fills in the space between the plates and pushes them farther apart.

Answer 17

seafloor spreading

Question 18

the molten liquid of the mantle, is pushed out through these cracks.

Answer 18

Magma

Question 18

the molten liquid of the mantle, is pushed out through these cracks.

Answer 18

Magma

Question 19

the border between the crust that makes up the land and the crust that makes up the ocean floor.

Answer 19

continental shelf

Question 20

is the energy that pushes a body away from the center while spinning.

Answer 20

Centrifugal force

Question 21

One of the most important developments in plate tectonics is the theory of

Answer 21

continental drift

Question 22

These movements of the plates are called

Answer 22

plate tectonics

Question 23

Although we are usually unaware of it, the surface of the earth, or the —–, is always shifting beneath us.

Answer 23

lithosphere

Question 24

They float on top of a soft layer called—–,which is divided into the upper and lower mantle.

Answer 24

mantle

Question 25

Instead, the crust is made of many uneven pieces called

Answer 25

plates

Question 26

the outer layer

Answer 26

crust

Question 27

meaning water without salt, in rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Answer 27

freshwater

Question 28

While 97 percent of Earth’s water is found in the oceans, there is also water under the surface, known as

Answer 28

groundwater

Question 29

which is the total mass, or weight, of the water found on, under, or above the surface of the planet— only accounts for less than 0.25 percent of the weight of the earth.

Answer 29

hydrosphere

Question 30

is a large body of salt water that fills a large depression in the earth’s surface.

Answer 30

ocean

Question 31

also known as oceanography, is all of these things and more.

Answer 31

Marine science