Theory of Plate Tectonics Notes

Multiple Choice

What are tectonic plates made of?

• Lithosphere

• Asthenosphere

• Outer core

• Inner core

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the lithosphere and asthenosphere is correct?

• The lithosphere is rigid and forms tectonic plates, while the asthenosphere is ductile and moves the plates.

• The asthenosphere is rigid and forms tectonic plates, while the lithosphere is ductile and moves the plates.

• Both the lithosphere and asthenosphere are rigid and form tectonic plates.

• Both the lithosphere and asthenosphere are ductile and move the plates.

Fill in the Blank

About 245 million years ago, the continents were joined in a single large landmass called ___.

Multiple Choice

Who is most associated with the Theory of Continental Drift, and what does the theory describe?

• Alfred Wegener; land masses separated from each other

• Isaac Newton; land masses joined together

• Charles Darwin; continents formed by evolution

• Marie Curie; continents formed by radioactive decay

Fill in the Blank

There are three main types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and ___.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about plate boundaries is/are correct?

• Plate boundaries are where two plates come in contact with each other.

• At plate boundaries, plates can only move away from each other.

• Plate boundaries do not affect the Earth's surface.

• Plates at boundaries can go towards, away, or slide past each other.

Multiple Choice

Which type of plate boundary is most likely responsible for the formation of mountains like the Himalayas?

• Divergent boundary

• Convergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Subduction boundary

Multiple Choice

Which type of plate boundary involves tectonic plates moving towards each other?

• Convergent boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Passive boundary

Fill in the Blank

Earth's crust can either be continental or ___.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are styles of convergent plate boundaries?

• Continent-continent collision

• Continent-oceanic crust collision

• Ocean-ocean collision

• Transform fault boundary

Multiple Choice

Which geological feature is formed when two continental plates collide?

• Mountains

• Volcanoes

• Ocean trenches

• Earthquakes

Fill in the Blank

Subduction occurs when a dense oceanic crust slides under a less dense ___ crust.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about subduction is correct?

• It forms volcanoes and ocean trenches at plate boundaries.

• It only occurs between two continental plates.

• The subducted plate rises to the surface.

• Subduction destroys both plates involved.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are results of subduction at plate boundaries?

• Formation of volcanoes

• Creation of ocean trenches

• Formation of high plateaus

• Creation of mountain ranges

Multiple Choice

How do the movements of tectonic plates affect the Earth's surface?

• They cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain formation.

• They have no impact on the Earth's surface.

• They only affect the ocean floor.

• They make the Earth's surface perfectly smooth.