Lithosphere

Introduction to the Lithosphere

Plate Tectonics and Topography

I can describe how and why someone might need to use a topographic map.

Learning Target

8.9 C Earth and Space

The student knows that natural events can impact Earth systems. The student is expected to interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosion features...

TEKS

Plate Tectonics

a theory explaining the structure of the earth's crust and many associated phenomena as resulting from the interaction of rigid lithospheric plates which move slowly over the underlying mantle

- Dictionary.com

Topography

the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area - Dictionary.com

There are consequences related to the movement of plates and the resulting change in the land that affects urban development and development of infrastructure.

Statement of Inquiry

Plate Tectonics

Looking at this picture, what do you think/know about plate tectonics?

This is a topographic map of Mt. Rainier... What's different?

The Earth is dynamic, meaning always changing. It goes through processes like the movement of tectonic plates and as those plates move it causes things like volcanoes, mountains, valleys, islands, and other formations.

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Exploring the changing Earth

Glenn A. Diehl

Grandpa Diehl was an engineer and explorer

• Climbed several of the highest peaks in the world

• Was a member of the Mountaineers

• Used topographic maps during all of his adventures

• Helped redesign the Panama Canal

• Lived in Alaska and used his map skills there

Test Your Background Knowledge!!!

Pre-Assessment

You can use what you learn in this unit to go on your own adventures!​

Multiple Choice

__________ first formally proposed that the position of Earth's continents change over time (Continental Drift Hypotheses).

• Harry Hess

• Bill Nye

• Alfred Wegener

• Charles Darwin

Multiple Choice

The name given to the super-continent in the continental drift hypothesis was______________.

• Pangaea

• Laurasia

• Gondwanaland

• Cooperland

Multiple Choice

According to the continental drift hypothesis, how long ago did the super-continent break apart?

• 20 million years ago

• 2 million years ago

• 200 million years ago

• 900 million years ago

Multiple Choice

_________________ first proposed the seafloor spreading hypothesis.

• Alfred Wegener

• Charles Darwin

• Sir Isaac Newton

• Harry Hess

Multiple Choice

Plates that move away from each other are called

• Divergent

• Convergent

• Strike Slip

• Ghosting

Multiple Choice

The current that causes Earth's plates to move are called

• Ocean Currents

• Gravity Currents

• Friction Currents

• Convections Currents

Multiple Choice

According to plate tectonic theory, how many major tectonic plates are there?

• 6

• 7

• 8

• 9

Multiple Choice

Which crust is more dense?

• Continental (the land above water)

• Oceanic (the land covered by the ocean)

Open Ended

What are you most excited about learning?