Which statements accurately compare the tectonic activity of the planets? Check all that apply.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which statements accurately describe the tectonic activity of terrestrial and gas giant planets. It requires an evaluation of various provided statements to determine their accuracy about planetary tectonic activity.
Answer
The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not. Terrestrial planets experience tectonic activity; gas giants do not. Activity in the molten interior of terrestrial planets results in tectonic activity.
The statements that accurately compare the tectonic activity of planets are:
- The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
- Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
- Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity.
Answer for screen readers
The statements that accurately compare the tectonic activity of planets are:
- The terrestrial planets experience quakes; the gas giants do not.
- Terrestrial planets experience (or experienced) tectonic activity; gas giants do (or did) not.
- Activity in the molten interior of the terrestrial planets results (or resulted) in tectonic activity.
More Information
Terrestrial planets, such as Earth, have solid surfaces and a molten interior that enable tectonic activity. Gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, lack a solid surface, hence do not experience such tectonic activity.
Tips
Be careful not to assume that gas giants have tectonic activity due to their size; their lack of a solid surface prevents this.
