UCA Earth Systems Science Final Exam I
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
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1. Which layer of the Earth is composed primarily of solid iron and
nickel?
A. Crust
B. Mantle
C. Inner core
D. Outer core
The inner core is solid due to immense pressure, while the outer
core is liquid.
2. The lithosphere consists of:
A. Mantle only
B. Crust and upper mantle
C. Outer core only
D. Inner core and outer core
The lithosphere is rigid and includes the crust and the uppermost
part of the mantle.
3. What is the driving force behind plate tectonics?
A. Gravitational pull of the Moon
B. Mantle convection
C. Solar radiation
, D. Tidal forces
Mantle convection moves the plates by circulating heat and
material in the mantle.
4. Which type of plate boundary is associated with the creation of
new crust?
A. Transform
B. Convergent
C. Divergent
D. Subduction
Divergent boundaries, such as mid-ocean ridges, form new crust
as plates move apart.
5. Earthquakes are most commonly found:
A. At the center of continents
B. Near plate boundaries
C. In the middle of oceans
D. At the equator
Earthquakes occur where stress builds along plate boundaries,
causing sudden energy release.
6. Which mineral is most resistant to weathering?
A. Calcite
B. Quartz
C. Feldspar
D. Halite
Quartz is chemically stable and highly resistant to weathering
compared to other common minerals.
7. The principle of superposition states that in an undeformed
sequence of sedimentary rocks:
, A. Oldest rocks are on top
B. Oldest rocks are at the bottom
C. Rocks are randomly arranged
D. Younger rocks are at the bottom
Each layer of sedimentary rock is younger than the one beneath it.
8. What type of rock forms from solidified magma or lava?
A. Sedimentary
B. Igneous
C. Metamorphic
D. Clastic
Igneous rocks crystallize from molten material either beneath
(intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).
9. Which of the following best describes a metamorphic rock?
A. Formed from sediment compaction
B. Formed from heat and pressure altering existing rock
C. Crystallized from magma
D. Composed entirely of fossils
Metamorphic rocks result from transformation of preexisting rocks
under heat and pressure without melting.
10. The greenhouse effect is primarily caused by:
A. Oxygen and nitrogen
B. Carbon monoxide
C. Carbon dioxide and water vapor
D. Helium and neon
Greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation, warming the Earth’s
surface.
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which layer of the Earth is composed primarily of solid iron and
nickel?
A. Crust
B. Mantle
C. Inner core
D. Outer core
The inner core is solid due to immense pressure, while the outer
core is liquid.
2. The lithosphere consists of:
A. Mantle only
B. Crust and upper mantle
C. Outer core only
D. Inner core and outer core
The lithosphere is rigid and includes the crust and the uppermost
part of the mantle.
3. What is the driving force behind plate tectonics?
A. Gravitational pull of the Moon
B. Mantle convection
C. Solar radiation
, D. Tidal forces
Mantle convection moves the plates by circulating heat and
material in the mantle.
4. Which type of plate boundary is associated with the creation of
new crust?
A. Transform
B. Convergent
C. Divergent
D. Subduction
Divergent boundaries, such as mid-ocean ridges, form new crust
as plates move apart.
5. Earthquakes are most commonly found:
A. At the center of continents
B. Near plate boundaries
C. In the middle of oceans
D. At the equator
Earthquakes occur where stress builds along plate boundaries,
causing sudden energy release.
6. Which mineral is most resistant to weathering?
A. Calcite
B. Quartz
C. Feldspar
D. Halite
Quartz is chemically stable and highly resistant to weathering
compared to other common minerals.
7. The principle of superposition states that in an undeformed
sequence of sedimentary rocks:
, A. Oldest rocks are on top
B. Oldest rocks are at the bottom
C. Rocks are randomly arranged
D. Younger rocks are at the bottom
Each layer of sedimentary rock is younger than the one beneath it.
8. What type of rock forms from solidified magma or lava?
A. Sedimentary
B. Igneous
C. Metamorphic
D. Clastic
Igneous rocks crystallize from molten material either beneath
(intrusive) or on the surface (extrusive).
9. Which of the following best describes a metamorphic rock?
A. Formed from sediment compaction
B. Formed from heat and pressure altering existing rock
C. Crystallized from magma
D. Composed entirely of fossils
Metamorphic rocks result from transformation of preexisting rocks
under heat and pressure without melting.
10. The greenhouse effect is primarily caused by:
A. Oxygen and nitrogen
B. Carbon monoxide
C. Carbon dioxide and water vapor
D. Helium and neon
Greenhouse gases trap infrared radiation, warming the Earth’s
surface.
