Understand that Earth's crust is broken into large pieces called tectonic plates that float on hotter, softer rock beneath and move very slowly — a few centimetres per year
A first look
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Question 1 of 3
Scientists studying a canyon observe three pieces of evidence: (1) sediment layers that are each about 10,000 years old, (2) a V‑shaped valley at the top of the canyon, and (3) large, rounded boulders that have been polished by moving water. Which explanation best describes how geologic processes have changed the canyon’s surface over both long time scales and short time scales?
Question 2 of 3
Scientists describe the Earth's crust as being broken into huge pieces that behave in three ways: they are large plates, they float on hotter, softer rock beneath, and they move only a few centimeters each year. Which statement correctly includes all three ideas?
Question 3 of 3
Which statement best explains why Earth's tectonic plates are able to move?
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