Question

1. a team of geologists wants to study hard, solid rock under of earth. the team is considering drilling down in saudi arabia (1) or in the arabian sea (2). where will the geologists find hard, solid rock?

a. neither under 1 nor 2, because there is sand and gravel under both places
b. neither under 1 nor 2, because there is water under both places
c. under 1 and 2, because earths entire outer layer is made of hard, solid rock
d. only under 1, because earths outer layer is made of hard, solid rock under continents but not under the ocean

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the nature of continental and oceanic crust

Continental crust is generally thicker and composed of less - dense rocks like granite. Oceanic crust is thinner and composed of denser rocks like basalt. The outer layer of the Earth (crust) under continents (area 1) is made of hard, solid rock (continental crust). Under the ocean (area 2), it is also made of hard, solid rock (oceanic crust).

Step2: Evaluate each option

• Option a: Incorrect. There is solid rock under both continental and oceanic areas.
• Option b: Incorrect. There is solid rock under both.
• Option c: Correct. The entire outer layer (crust) is made of hard, solid rock under both continental (1) and oceanic (2) areas.
• Option d: Incorrect. The outer layer under the ocean (2) is also hard, solid rock.

Answer:

c. under 1 and 2 because Earth's entire outer layer is made of hard, solid rock