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Why Mariana Trench Is So Deep

Interactive passage with audio narration, comprehension questions, and printable PDF.

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Format: Interactive (Online), Printable (PDF)
Grades: 5678
Subjects: scienceela
Standards: MS-ESS2-2
Languages: English, Spanish

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Reading passage

Reading comprehension

Audio narration

With word word highlighting

Comprehension quiz

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Writing activity

Open-ended response

Glossary & flashcards

Vocabulary practice

Differentiated version

Adapted for varied levels

Spanish translation

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About this reader

This 400-500 word informational science reading passage explores why the Mariana Trench is so deep, aligning with NGSS MS-ESS2.B and MS-ESS2-2 standards. Students learn about plate tectonics and subduction zones, where oceanic plates collide and one slides beneath another, creating the deepest trenches on Earth. The passage uses cause-and-effect reasoning to explain how the denser oceanic crust sinks into the mantle at convergent boundaries, forming trenches nearly 11 kilometers deep. Real-world examples include the Pacific Ring of Fire and the collision between the Pacific and Philippine plates. The content is written at a 800-1050 Lexile level for grades 6-8, with clear scientific vocabulary including subduction zone, convergent boundary, oceanic crust, and mantle. Audio integration supports diverse learners, while differentiated versions assist struggling readers and English Language Learners. Activities include comprehension questions, writing prompts, and graphic organizers that reinforce understanding of plate boundary processes and their effects on Earth's surface features.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

Sample passage and quiz content

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Map Marianas Trench Marine National Monument" by NOAA / Wikimedia Commons

The Mariana Trench is the deepest place on Earth. It plunges nearly 11 kilometers below the ocean surface in the western Pacific Ocean. Scientists explain that this extreme depth results from a process called subduction. Subduction occurs when two tectonic plates collide at a convergent boundary. One plate slides beneath the other and sinks into Earth's interior.

Earth's outer layer consists of large slabs of rock called tectonic plates. These plates move slowly across the planet's surface, only a few centimeters each year. When an oceanic plate meets another plate, the denser oceanic plate bends downward. The bending plate creates a deep groove in the ocean floor called a trench. The sinking plate descends into the mantle, the hot layer of rock beneath Earth's crust. This downward movement pulls the ocean floor to incredible depths.

The Mariana Trench formed where the Pacific Plate collides with the smaller Philippine Plate. The Pacific Plate is older and cooler than the Philippine Plate. Cold rock is denser than warm rock, so the Pacific Plate sinks beneath the Philippine Plate. Evidence shows that this collision has been occurring for millions of years. The trench continues to deepen as the Pacific Plate slowly descends into the mantle. Scientists have measured the deepest point at about 10,994 meters below sea level.

Subduction zones like the Mariana Trench are common around the Pacific Ocean. They form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for earthquakes and volcanoes. Understanding how trenches form helps scientists explain many features of Earth's surface. These deep zones also affect ocean circulation and provide unique habitats for specialized organisms. The study of subduction zones reveals how plate tectonics shapes our planet over millions of years.

Interesting Fact: If Mount Everest were placed in the Mariana Trench, its peak would still be more than 2 kilometers underwater.

What is the main reason the Mariana Trench is so deep?

Subduction causes one plate to sink beneath anotherEarthquakes create deep cracks in the ocean floorOcean currents erode the seafloor over timeVolcanic eruptions blow holes in the ocean floor

How deep is the Mariana Trench?

About 5 kilometersAbout 8 kilometersNearly 11 kilometersMore than 15 kilometers

What does the term 'convergent boundary' mean in the passage?

A place where plates move away from each otherA place where two plates slide past each otherA place where two plates collide or move toward each otherA place where plates do not move at all

Based on the passage, what is the mantle?

The cold outer layer of EarthThe hot layer of rock beneath Earth's crustThe deepest part of the oceanThe center core of Earth

Why does the Pacific Plate sink beneath the Philippine Plate?

The Pacific Plate is smaller and lighterThe Pacific Plate is older, cooler, and denserThe Philippine Plate pushes it down with forceOcean water makes the Pacific Plate heavier

Which plates collide to form the Mariana Trench?

North American Plate and Eurasian PlatePacific Plate and Philippine PlateAfrican Plate and South American PlateAntarctic Plate and Indian Plate

What can scientists learn from studying subduction zones?

How ocean water changes temperatureHow plate tectonics shapes Earth's surface over timeHow fish adapt to deep water pressureHow the moon affects ocean tides

If Mount Everest were placed in the Mariana Trench, what would happen according to the passage?

Its peak would stick out above the ocean surfaceIts peak would be exactly at sea levelIts peak would still be more than 2 kilometers underwaterIt would fill the entire trench

True or False: Tectonic plates move several meters each year.

TrueFalse

True or False: The Mariana Trench is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire region.

TrueFalse