MAAP Earth Science 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which layer of Earth is composed primarily of iron and nickel and is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field?
- Mantle
- Outer core (Correct answer)
- Inner core
- Crust
Correct answer: Outer core
Earth's outer core is a liquid layer of iron and nickel whose movement generates the planet's magnetic field through convection currents.
Question 2: What type of rock is formed when molten magma cools and solidifies?
- Sedimentary
- Metamorphic
- Igneous (Correct answer)
- Fossil
Correct answer: Igneous
Igneous rock forms directly from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, making it the primary rock type formed from molten material.
Question 3: The theory of plate tectonics explains that Earth's lithosphere is divided into large sections called:
- Tectonic faults
- Tectonic plates (Correct answer)
- Geologic zones
- Mantle plumes
Correct answer: Tectonic plates
The lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and move relative to one another, driving geologic activity.
Question 4: Which type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other?
- Convergent boundary
- Transform boundary
- Divergent boundary (Correct answer)
- Subduction zone
Correct answer: Divergent boundary
A divergent boundary is where two plates separate from each other, allowing magma to rise and form new crust, as seen at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
Question 5: What is the primary cause of the seasons on Earth?
- Earth's distance from the Sun
- Earth's axial tilt of 23.5° (Correct answer)
- Sunspot activity
- Variations in Earth's orbital speed
Correct answer: Earth's axial tilt of 23.5°
Earth's axial tilt of 23.5° causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of direct sunlight throughout the year, creating seasonal changes.
Question 6: Which process in the water cycle involves liquid water changing into water vapor?
- Condensation
- Precipitation
- Evaporation (Correct answer)
- Runoff
Correct answer: Evaporation
Evaporation is the process by which liquid water absorbs heat energy and converts to water vapor, transferring water from Earth's surface to the atmosphere.
Question 7: The Richter scale is used to measure which characteristic of an earthquake?
- Depth of focus
- Duration of shaking
- Magnitude (energy released) (Correct answer)
- Distance from epicenter
Correct answer: Magnitude (energy released)
The Richter scale quantifies the magnitude of an earthquake, which reflects the amount of seismic energy released at the earthquake's source.
MAAP Earth Science 1
Which layer of Earth is composed primarily of iron and nickel and is responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field?