Plate Tectonics

In studying layers of rock sediment, a geologist found an area where older rock was layered on top of younger rock.  Which BEST explains how this occurred?

• Earthquake activity folded the rock layers
• Volcanic eruptions destroyed a rock layer
• Erosion removed several layers of rock.
• Weathering changed the layering of the rocks

In studying layers of rock sediment, a geologist found an area where older rock was layered on top of younger rock.  Which BEST explains how this occurred?

• Earthquake activity folded the rock layers
• Volcanic eruptions destroyed a rock layer
• erosion removed several layers of rock.
• Weathering changed the layering of the rocks

Which event MOST likely caused the formation of folded mountain ranges?

• Tectonic plates on the earth pushed together.
• Tectonic plates on the earth pulled apart.
• Tectonic plates on the earth slid past each other.
• Tectonic plates on the earth broke into small pieces.

Lithospheric plates have moved to form land formations on the Earth's surface.  Which land formation occurs as a result of the plates folding upon one another?

• an earthquake
• a mountain range
• a river
• a volcano

Which conclusion is BEST supported by the discovery of the same fossils on separate continents? 

• Ancient organisms were able to swim much farther than modern organisms.
• The same organisms existed more than once in the history of Earth.
• Modern land masses were once connected but moved apart.
• The same environmental conditions once existed all over Earth. 

Two fossils of the same species were found on two different continents.  The continents are separated by the Atlantic Ocean.  Scientists dated the fossils to be 2 million years old.  Which is the LEAST likely explanation for these findings? 

• A great land bridge once connected the continents. 
• The remains were carried by ocean currents.
• A single landmass once existed with both continents.
• The animals swam across the ocean. 

Which statement does not describe how a mountain can form?

• Layers of rock fold and lift up when Earth's crust moves
• Volcanic eruptions deposit molten rock on Earth's surface.
• A glacier moving down a valley deposits debris on Earth's surface.
• The block of rock from one side of a fault is pushed up when two plates collide.

The Theory of Plate Tectonics is based on ...

• Evidence of sea floor spreading. 
• Topographic mapping of mountain ranges.
• An analysis of soil at the plate boundaries.
• Volcanic activity along coastlines.

Mountains are most likely formed ...

• When glaciers melt.
• From earthquakes.
• When land sinks.
• Along tectonic plates.

When scientists proposed the Theory of Continental Drift, there were many skeptics.  Which discovery confirmed that the continents move on plates? 

• Deep-sea currents.
• Earthquake formation.
• Spreading of the sea floor.
• Sedimentary rocks.