Question 1

Draw a cross-section of the Earth showing its three primary layers.Label the layers and list the average composition (rock-type)of the layers.

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Question 2

What is a melt? What type of rock forms from a melt? Distinguish between a melt on the surface of the Earth and one below the surface of the Earth.

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Question 3

How is the lithosphere different from the crust? From the asthenosphere?

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Question 4

The image below shows an example of which type of heat transfer?

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Question 5

From left to right,correctly label each section of this slice of the Earth.Note that 1 starts at the surface of the Earth and 6 ends at the center of the Earth.

Accepted Answer

The layers of the Earth from outermost to innermost are: crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core. The mantle is further divided into the upper mantle and the lower mantle. The transition zone is a boundary between the upper and lower mantle where there is a change in the physical properties of the mantle. So, the correct order of the layers from left to right would be: crust, upper mantle, transition zone, lower mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core. Option B correctly represents this order.

Question 6

What is the difference between a mineral and a glass?

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Question 7

Sketch what you would encounter on a traverse from interstellar space into our Solar System.Be sure to label the Sun,outer planets,inner planets,Oort Cloud,Kuiper Belt,asteroid belt,and heliosphere.

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Question 8

The distinction between the crust and the mantle is primarily on the basis of a difference in ________; the distinction between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere is primarily on the basis of a difference in ________.

Accepted Answer

The crust and mantle differ primarily in composition, with the crust being made up of lighter, more silicate-rich rocks and the mantle being made up of denser, more iron- and magnesium-rich rocks. The lithosphere and asthenosphere differ primarily in their ability to flow without breaking, with the lithosphere being more rigid and brittle and the asthenosphere being able to flow like a soft plastic.

Question 9

As compared to the rocks that make up the crust,the Earth as a whole is

Accepted Answer

The Earth as a whole is considerably more dense than the rocks that make up the crust. This is because the Earth's mantle and core are made up of much denser materials such as iron and nickel.

Question 10

What happens to the pressure and temperature as you go deeper inside the Earth? What is the geothermal gradient?

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Question 11

When you are warmed by the Sun,you are experiencing ________; you are experiencing ________ when you burn yourself touching a metal object that is being heated on the opposite end.

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When you are warmed by the Sun, you are experiencing radiation, as the Sun emits electromagnetic radiation that travels through space and warms your skin without direct contact. 
When you burn yourself touching a metal object that is being heated on the opposite end, you are experiencing conduction, as heat is transferred from the hot end of the metal object to your hand through physical contact.

Question 12

Most meteorites are asteroidal or planetary fragments.As such,geologists consider the average composition of meteorites to be representative of the average composition of the

Accepted Answer

Meteorites are considered to be representative of the building blocks from which the Earth was formed. Therefore, their average composition is thought to reflect the average composition of the Earth as a whole, rather than any specific layer like the crust, mantle, or core.

Question 13

The lithosphere lies directly above the

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The lithosphere, which includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, lies directly above the asthenosphere, a region of the upper mantle characterized by relatively low viscosity and plasticity.

Question 14

Contrast oceanic crust and continental crust based on their composition,density,and thickness.

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Question 15

As compared to the asthenosphere,the lithosphere is ________.

Accepted Answer

The lithosphere is the cooler, outermost layer of the Earth, which is divided into several large plates. It is composed of both the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, and it is relatively rigid and brittle, making it less able to flow than the underlying asthenosphere. The asthenosphere, on the other hand, is hotter and more able to flow due to its greater depth and higher temperature.

Question 16

The lithosphere is composed of the

Accepted Answer

The lithosphere consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is the solid, outermost layer of Earth and includes both continental and oceanic crust.

Question 17

The boundary between the crust and the mantle is marked by an abrupt change in seismic velocity called the

Accepted Answer

The boundary between the crust and the mantle is known as the Moho, which is marked by an abrupt change in seismic velocity. The Moho separates the relatively cool and brittle crust from the warmer and more ductile mantle.

Question 18

Why is it less strenuous to go for a jog in San Diego (at sea level)than in Denver (at an altitude of
1 mile)? Note: Please base your answer on elevation alone; assume all other factors are equal.

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Question 19

What have seismic waves taught us about the interior of our planet?

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Question 20

Sketch a diagram of the Earth's magnetic field.What is the primary benefit of the magnetic field to life on the Earth?

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Quiz 2: Journey to the Center of the Earth