Name ______________________________________ Date _________
Processes that Shape Earth -- STUDY GUIDE
8.9B
1. What type of stress is most likely to occur at convergent plate boundaries?
compression, or the stress that squeezes and shortens rock, is most likely to occur
at convergent plate boundaries, where plates move toward each other.
8.9B
2. The diagram below shows a type of mountain range that can form at divergent plate
boundaries.
What type of mountain range is shown in the diagram?
the image shows basin-and-range topography, or fault-block mountains, which are
caused by tensional stress at divergent plate boundaries.
8.9A
3. What is evidence for the theory of plate tectonics but does not suggest that the continents
were once connected?
a thin layer of sediment covering the ocean floor is evidence of plate tectonics but is
not evidence that the continents were connected.
8.9C
4. As a glacier melts, the sediment and rock in the ice begin to drop out onto Earth’s surface.
What is an example of how a melting glacier forms a depositional feature on Earth’s surface?
Moraines are formed when materials that a glacier is carrying are deposited.
8.9A, 8.3B
5. Look at the process shown in the illustrations below.
What is the name of the hypothesis that is shown by this process?
the figure shows the transformation of the continents from Pangaea to their presentday locations, which is the hypothesis of continental drift.
8.9C, 8.3B
6. Look at the figure of a stream.
How will the stream most likely change the landscape if it weathers and erodes the soil and
rock over time?
the current and flowing water in a stream erode the surrounding soil,
sediment, and rocks and cause significant changes to land features over time.
8.9C
7. Look at the picture below of land features within a given area.
What two land features are formed by erosion?
A and D are formed by weathering and erosion; ocean waves abrade and
erode rock to form the sea cliff in D, and flowing water erodes the land to form
a canyon in A.
8.9C, 8.3B
8. Look at the topographic map below.
Assume the distance of each route is the same. Which route would be the easiest for a hiker to
climb to the top?
although the contour lines are spread apart indicating a less steep path at one
point, this path travels downhill and then up.
8.9C, 8.3B
9. Look at the topographic map below.
Assuming the elevations are in feet, what is a good estimate of the relief?
the relief is the highest elevation minus the lowest elevation shown on the
map. The highest elevation shown on the map is at KP Pinnacle at 7,569 ft.
The lowest elevation shown is 3,908 ft. A good estimate is about 3,600 ft
8.9C, 8.2E
10. The illustration below represents a satellite image with a topographic map overlay.
The dots show the locations of geysers in this area, which are areas where hot water spouts out
onto Earth’s surface. What can be concluded about the geysers in this area, based on the
information presented in this map?
the combined data show that the points indicating geyser locations are at
lower elevations. At higher elevations there are more trees and vegetation and
only one geyser surrounded by bare ground.
Gridded Response
Write your answer in the boxes, then bubble in the corresponding number in the grid below.
8.9C
11. Look at the topographic map below.
What is the contour interval on this map? Use the index contours, and assume the elevations
are in feet.
Rationale: This can be calculated by finding the difference between the index
contours and then dividing by the number of spaces between the contour
lines.
40 – 30 =10
10 / 5 = 2
Critical Thinking
Answer the following question in the space provided.
8.9C
12. Look at the images of the Yigong River and Yigong Lake over the course of a year.
In 2000, a landslide in the Zhamu Creek Valley blocked the flow of water out of Yigong Lake.
Based on the image from 2001, explain what might have occurred between 2000 and 2001 to
produce this difference.
recognizes that the water broke through the dam and began flowing again,
which drained the lake (e.g., The lake held a lot of water because the dam
was holding it back. In the second image, the water has broken through the
dam, and the lake has drained and has become much smaller.)
Extended Response
Answer the following question in the space provided.
8.9C
13. What geologic forces can result in the formation of a V-shaped valley? Explain this in terms
of weathering and erosion.
Understanding that erosion by swiftly flowing water can cause V-shaped valleys (e.g., The
widening and deepening V-shaped river valley was most likely caused by weathering and
erosion from the strong flowing water going through the valley. The flowing water removes soil,
sediment, and rock from the valley and carries this material. The rock and sediment grind down
on the sides and bottom of the stream, causing abrasion. This loosens even more sediment.
Erosion carries the sediment away, downstream. Over time, the weathering and erosion causes
the walls to become steeper and widens the river.)