Plate Tectonics

Front

What does the theory of Continental Drift explain?

Back

Continents were once together and slowly drifted to where they are today

Answer explanation

The theory of Continental Drift explains that continents were once part of a single landmass called Pangaea and have gradually drifted apart to their current positions over millions of years.

Front

This theory states that earth's crust is broken into rigid slabs of rock that interact with each other.

Back

Plate tectonics

Answer explanation

The theory of plate tectonics explains that the Earth's crust is divided into rigid slabs, or plates, that move and interact with one another, leading to geological phenomena such as earthquakes and mountain formation.

Front

Where are the youngest rocks on Earth found?

Back

Along mid-ocean ridges

Answer explanation

The youngest rocks on Earth are found along mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates are diverging and new crust is formed from magma. This process continuously creates new rock, making these areas the youngest geological formations.

Front

Who was the scientist who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener

Answer explanation

The theory of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. He suggested that continents were once joined and have since drifted apart, a concept that laid the groundwork for modern plate tectonics.

Front

Where does seafloor spreading take place?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges

Answer explanation

Seafloor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates diverge, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This process does not happen at convergent or transform boundaries.

Front

The super continent that existed when all continents were together was named

Back

Pangea

Answer explanation

The supercontinent that existed when all continents were joined together is called Pangea. Gondwana and Laurasia were parts of Pangea, while Eurasia refers to a landmass formed later.

Front

What is the process of convection?

Back

The process of hot material rising and cooler material sinking in circular patterns

Answer explanation

Convection is the process where hot material rises due to lower density, while cooler material sinks, creating circular patterns. This is a fundamental mechanism in fluids, including the Earth's mantle.

Front

This type of boundary creates new oceanic crust. Options: Transform, Continental-Continental Convergent, Divergent, Oceanic-Continental Convergent

Back

Divergent

Answer explanation

A divergent boundary occurs where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This process is responsible for the formation of mid-ocean ridges, making 'Divergent' the correct answer.

Front

At this boundary plates slide past one another and earthquakes are created.

Back

Transform

Answer explanation

At transform boundaries, tectonic plates slide past each other, causing friction and resulting in earthquakes. This distinguishes them from convergent and divergent boundaries, where plates either collide or move apart.

Front

Mountains are created along: Transform boundaries, Continental-Continental Convergent, Divergent, Oceanic-Continental Convergent

Back

Continental-Continental Convergent

Answer explanation

Mountains are primarily formed at Continental-Continental Convergent boundaries, where two continental plates collide, causing the land to buckle and rise, creating mountain ranges.