Earth Science I · Plate Tectonics
Virginia SOL ES.7
Virginia SOL ES.7 is part of the Plate Tectonics strand in Earth Science I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand plate tectonic theory explaining Earth's internal and external geologic processes. Below is what ES.7 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice ES.7 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL ES.7 means
Investigate and understand plate tectonic theory explaining Earth's internal and external geologic processes.
Practice Earth Science I SOL questions
Free Earth Science I questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on ES.7 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. If the polar ice caps were to melt, all of the following would occur except —
Show answer
Answer: D — decreased tidal action
2. Caves are common in Virginia’s Valley and Ridge province because the area is underlain by —
Show answer
Answer: D — limestone
3. What is one major indication that Earth’s climate has varied over time?
Show answer
Answer: A — Landforms carved by glaciers in temperate areas
4. Why does water move more slowly through clay than through humus?
Show answer
Answer: B — Clay has very small pore spaces
Skills you’ll practice for ES.7
- Explain how convection currents in Earth's interior lead to the movement of plates and influence the distribution of materials in Earth's layers.
- Describe features and processes that occur within plates and at plate boundaries.
- Explain how interaction between tectonic plates causes the development of mountain ranges and ocean basins.
- Identify evidence of geologic processes found in Virginia's geologic landscape.
Key concepts covered by ES.7
- convection currents
- plate movement
- Earth's interior
- mantle convection
- plate boundaries
- tectonic features
- geological processes
- plate interaction
- mountain formation
- ocean basin development
- Virginia geology
- geological evidence
How to study and practice SOL ES.7
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether ES.7 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL ES.7
What is Virginia SOL ES.7?
SOL ES.7 is a Earth Science I Standard of Learning in the Plate Tectonics strand. It expects students to investigate and understand plate tectonic theory explaining Earth's internal and external geologic processes.
What skills does SOL ES.7 cover?
SOL ES.7 is assessed on 4 skills: explain how convection currents in Earth's interior lead to the movement of plates and influence the distribution of materials in Earth's layers; describe features and processes that occur within plates and at plate boundaries; explain how interaction between tectonic plates causes the development of mountain ranges and ocean basins; identify evidence of geologic processes found in Virginia's geologic landscape.
What strand of Earth Science I is SOL ES.7 in?
SOL ES.7 belongs to the Plate Tectonics reporting strand of the Earth Science I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL ES.7?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether ES.7 is already solid, then work the 4 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.