APES Earth Systems & Resources — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Earth layer is responsible for tectonic plate movement?
- Lithosphere
- Inner core
- Asthenosphere (Correct answer)
- Crust
Correct answer: Asthenosphere
The asthenosphere, a semi-fluid layer in the upper mantle, enables the movement of tectonic plates.
Question 2: Which process in the rock cycle involves the transformation of rock due to heat and pressure?
- Weathering
- Erosion
- Metamorphism (Correct answer)
- Sedimentation
Correct answer: Metamorphism
Metamorphism changes existing rock into metamorphic rock through intense heat and pressure without melting it.
Question 3: What is the primary source of freshwater on Earth?
- Rivers
- Glaciers and ice caps (Correct answer)
- Lakes
- Groundwater wells
Correct answer: Glaciers and ice caps
Glaciers and ice caps hold the majority of Earth's freshwater, making them crucial to water resource studies.
Question 4: Which natural phenomenon is most directly responsible for the seasons on Earth?
- Earth’s distance from the sun
- Sun’s gravitational pull
- Earth’s axial tilt (Correct answer)
- Volcanic eruptions
Correct answer: Earth’s axial tilt
The tilt of Earth’s axis causes varying angles of sunlight throughout the year, resulting in seasonal changes.
Question 5: Which of the following is a nonrenewable resource?
- Solar energy
- Wind power
- Geothermal energy
- Coal (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Coal
Coal forms over millions of years and is not replenished quickly, classifying it as a nonrenewable resource.
Question 6: What role do convection currents in the mantle play?
- Generating ocean tides
- Causing moon phases
- Driving plate tectonics (Correct answer)
- Influencing atmospheric pressure
Correct answer: Driving plate tectonics
Convection currents drive the movement of tectonic plates by circulating heat from Earth’s interior.
APES Earth Systems & Resources
Which Earth layer is responsible for tectonic plate movement?