Earth's Layers and Plate Tectonics

Earth Science

Earth's Layers and Plate Tectonics

Multiple Select

What are the different layers of the Earth?

• Mantle

• Crust

• Onion

• Core

Earth's Layers

• Crust: Outer layer (where we live)

• Mantle: Layer directly below crust

• Core: Center of the planet

Multiple Choice

Earth's crust is broken into several large rocky pieces called ________.

• fossils

• plates

• layers

• faults

Plate Tectonics

• The theory of plate tectonics states that Earth's surface is broken into large, rigid pieces that move with respect to each other.

• These plates move slowly and can form volcanoes and mountains and cause earthquakes.

Tectonic Plates

• There are 15 large tectonic plates.

• 7 of these tectonic plates are considered major tectonic plates due to their size.

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the largest supercontinent that the continents today used to form?

• North America

• Antarctica

• Pangaea

• Eurasia

Divergent Plate Boundary

• A boundary where two plates move away from each other. (divergent = divide)

• 
  

Convergent Plate Boundary

A boundary where two plates toward each other. (convergent= collide)

Subduction is the process that occurs when one tectonic plate moves under another.

Transform Plate Boundary

A boundary where plates slide past each other.

The boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate in California is an example of this boundary.

Multiple Select

Which plate boundary type is where plate moves together?

• Divergent

• Convergent

• Transform

• Subduction

Multiple Choice

Which plate boundary type is where plate move side by side?

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Transform

• Subduction

Multiple Choice

Which plate boundary type is where plates move apart?

• Divergent

• Convergent

• Transform

• Subduction

Cascadia Subduction Zone

• Runs about 700 miles in the Pacific Ocean next to the North American coast

• Responsible for the tall mountains found in Washington, Oregon, and Northern California

• Can cause huge earthquakes!

Open Ended

Why is it important to know about the Cascadia Subduction Zone?