Indirect evidence — Science definition

Observations used to infer a feature that is not directly inspected.

Where it is taught

Questions using indirect evidence

Problem 1

Which statement correctly uses lithosphere in Inside Earth: Layers & Indirect Evidence?
  1. The entire mantle is a liquid ocean.
  2. lithosphere: The rigid outer layer including the crust and uppermost mantle.
  3. The crust and the whole lithosphere are identical layers.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

lithosphere: The rigid outer layer including the crust and uppermost mantle.

The rigid outer layer including the crust and uppermost mantle. B preserves the accepted basic state distinction: mostly solid mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core. Slow mantle flow does not imply a liquid ocean. Seismic patterns and other evidence help infer these states, while a simple cutaway cannot provide exact thickness or composition at every point. Lithosphere and crust also should not be confused.

Problem 2

Which statement correctly uses indirect evidence in Inside Earth: Layers & Indirect Evidence?
  1. The crust and the whole lithosphere are identical layers.
  2. The entire mantle is a liquid ocean.
  3. indirect evidence: Observations used to infer a feature that is not directly inspected.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

indirect evidence: Observations used to infer a feature that is not directly inspected.

Observations used to infer a feature that is not directly inspected. B preserves the accepted basic state distinction: mostly solid mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core. Slow mantle flow does not imply a liquid ocean. Seismic patterns and other evidence help infer these states, while a simple cutaway cannot provide exact thickness or composition at every point. Lithosphere and crust also should not be confused.

Problem 3

Which statement is scientifically accurate for Inside Earth: Layers & Indirect Evidence?
  1. Every classroom model reproduces reality exactly.
  2. The entire mantle is a liquid ocean.
  3. The crust and the whole lithosphere are identical layers.
  4. lithosphere: The rigid outer layer including the crust and uppermost mantle.
Answer and explanation

lithosphere: The rigid outer layer including the crust and uppermost mantle.

The rigid outer layer including the crust and uppermost mantle. B preserves the accepted basic state distinction: mostly solid mantle, liquid outer core, solid inner core. Slow mantle flow does not imply a liquid ocean. Seismic patterns and other evidence help infer these states, while a simple cutaway cannot provide exact thickness or composition at every point. Lithosphere and crust also should not be confused.

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