Plate Motion End of Unit Review

Front

What happens to tectonic plates when they diverge?

Back

When tectonic plates diverge, they move apart from each other, allowing soft, solid rock from underneath to rise and harden, adding solid rock to the edges of both plates.

Front

What is the composition of Earth's outer layer?

Back

Earth's entire outer layer is made of hard, solid rock.

Front

Define the term 'diverge' in the context of plate tectonics.

Back

'Diverge' means to move in different directions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

How can the presence of similar fossils on different continents be explained?

Back

The presence of similar fossils, like those of Lystrosaurus, on different continents can be explained by the movement of tectonic plates that separated the land where these organisms lived.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is the significance of GPS data in studying plate motion?

Back

GPS data is significant in studying plate motion as it allows geologists to track the movement of tectonic plates in real-time.

Front

What occurs at a convergent plate boundary?

Back

At a convergent plate boundary, one tectonic plate moves underneath another, often leading to subduction and the formation of geological features like mountains or trenches.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What geological feature is formed when two tectonic plates move apart?

Back

When two tectonic plates move apart, a mid-ocean ridge or rift valley can be formed as magma rises to create new crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is subduction in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

Front

Explain the role of soft, solid rock in plate tectonics.

Back

Soft, solid rock plays a crucial role in plate tectonics as it can rise to fill gaps when plates diverge and can be involved in the subduction process when plates converge.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

Evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics includes the distribution of fossils, the fit of continental coastlines, and geological similarities across continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3