Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

What are destructive forces primarily responsible for?

1. Building new geological formations

2. Wearing away or tearing down Earth's surface

3. Replenishing Earth's resources

4. Creating new ecosystems

The correct answer is: Wearing away or tearing down Earth's surface

Destructive forces in geological contexts refer to processes that wear away, erode, or tear down the Earth’s surface. This includes activities such as weathering, erosion, and the impact of natural events like landslides and volcanic eruptions. These processes break down existing landforms and contribute to the reshaping of landscapes over time. For instance, erosion by wind, water, and ice is a key destructive force that removes soil and rock from one location and transports it to another, which can lead to the formation of valleys and the overall alteration of terrain. Therefore, the identification of destructive forces as primarily responsible for wearing away or tearing down the Earth's surface is accurate and reflects the fundamental nature of these geological processes.