GEOLOGY Worksheets - Free Printable

Let's go through each question on the worksheet and solve them one by one, providing explanations for the answers.

---

1. How many known active underwater volcanoes are there?
a. 5,000
b. 4,567
c. 50,000

✔ Answer: a. 5,000
Explanation: Scientists estimate that there are around 5,000 known active underwater volcanoes. These are mostly located along mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates are spreading apart. While there may be more undiscovered ones, about 5,000 are currently documented.

---

2. Underwater volcanoes are home to many sea creatures?
a. True
b. False

✔ Answer: a. True
Explanation: Underwater volcanoes, especially hydrothermal vents near volcanic activity, support unique ecosystems. These areas host organisms like tube worms, crabs, shrimp, and bacteria that thrive in extreme conditions using chemosynthesis instead of sunlight.

---

3. What is another name for underwater volcanoes?
a. Scary volcanoes
b. Submarine volcanoes
c. Ship volcanoes

✔ Answer: b. Submarine volcanoes
Explanation: "Submarine" means "underwater," so submarine volcanoes is the correct scientific term for volcanoes beneath the ocean surface.

---

4. Hawaii is made from underwater volcanoes.
a. True
b. False

✔ Answer: a. True
Explanation: The Hawaiian Islands were formed by a hotspot in the Earth’s mantle. As the Pacific Plate moved over this hotspot, repeated volcanic eruptions built up islands—starting underwater and eventually rising above sea level.

---

5. What sea creatures call underwater volcanoes home?
a. White crab
b. Jellyfish
c. Blue shrimp

✔ Answer: c. Blue shrimp *(Note: This might be a bit misleading, but let's clarify)*
Actually, while blue shrimp aren't typically associated with deep-sea volcanoes, extreme environments like hydrothermal vents are home to giant tube worms, vent crabs, shrimp (like the "yeti crab"), and bacteria. However, among the choices given, "Blue shrimp" is likely the intended answer, possibly referring to species like *Rimicaris exoculata* or similar vent-associated shrimp.
But note: White crab and Jellyfish are not commonly found near vents. So, c. Blue shrimp is the best choice here.

✔ Answer: c. Blue shrimp

---

6. A large portion of them are located in the Pacific Ocean.
a. True
b. False

✔ Answer: a. True
Explanation: The Pacific Ocean has the Ring of Fire, which includes many active volcanoes and underwater volcanic activity. Most of the world’s underwater volcanoes are located along mid-ocean ridges and subduction zones in the Pacific.

---

7. Each year _______ of lava released from the Earth's core.
a. 98%
b. 75%
c. 63%

This question seems incomplete or poorly worded. It says “Each year _______ of lava released from the Earth's core.” But it doesn’t specify what the blank refers to — percentage of total lava? Or something else?

However, based on general knowledge:
- About 90% of all volcanic activity occurs underwater, mostly at mid-ocean ridges.
- And approximately 98% of the Earth’s lava is erupted underwater.

So, if the question is asking: *"What percentage of the Earth’s lava is released underwater each year?"*, then:

✔ Answer: a. 98%
Explanation: The vast majority of volcanic activity happens underwater, especially along mid-ocean ridges. Around 98% of the lava produced annually comes from underwater volcanoes.

---

8. What is the name of the location where most underwater volcanoes are found?
a. Quarter Ridge
b. Bramante Bay
c. Mid-Ocean Ridges

✔ Answer: c. Mid-Ocean Ridges
Explanation: Most underwater volcanoes are located along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates are pulling apart and magma rises to form new oceanic crust. Examples include the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise.

---

✔ Final Answers:

1. a. 5,000
2. a. True
3. b. Submarine volcanoes
4. a. True
5. c. Blue shrimp
6. a. True
7. a. 98%
8. c. Mid-Ocean Ridges

Let me know if you'd like this formatted as a printable answer key!