8.9AB Plate Tectonic Theory

One piece of evidence that supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics is found in the observation of rocks on either side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, shown in the picture provided. Plate Tectonic theory is supported because as you move out form the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the rocks -

• have higher iron content.

• become thicker and thicker.

• are increasingly older.

• are made of smaller particles.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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Scientists theorized that the continents were once joined together even before they had modern evidence from rocks and fossils. Using only maps, they observed that -

• continents with the most temperate climates were found near the Equator.

• the oceans have become smaller throughout the history of Earth.

• the shapes of continents appeared to allow them to fit together.

• most of the larger land masses are in the Northern Hemisphere.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Dead Sea to the north of Africa has formed where land is thinning and sinking. This is a result of the interaction of tectonic plates. The Dead Sea -

• is located in the center of a rotating plate.

• sits on a boundary between plates moving apart.

• formed where one plate covers another.

• formed from melting due to solar radiation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The earthquakes experienced in California are related to tectonic plates because these catastrophic events are the result of -

• two tectonic plates sliding past each other.

• tectonic plates melting as they slide into the mantle.

• tectonic plates being weathered over time.

• two tectonic plates pulling away from each other.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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One piece of evidence that supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics is the discovery of what in both South America and Africa?

• The ancient atmosphere in both places was identical.

• The rates of weathering of rock are similar.

• Fossil remains of the same land-dwelling animal.

• Plants on both continents have similar flowers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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Even before modern observations provided evidence that supports the Theory of Plate Tectonics, people developed theories that the continents were once joined together. Using only maps, they observed that -

• most of the larger land masses are in the Northern Hemisphere.

• continents with the most moderate climates were located near the Equator.

• the shapes of continents appeared to allow them to fit together.

• the oceans have decreased in size throughout the history of Earth.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following features is likely to form where two tectonic plates push toward each other?

• Ocean shoreline

• Mountain range

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Rift valley

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Every 100,000 to 200,000 years, the magnetic poles of Earth reverse. Rocks that contain iron provide a record of both normal and reversed magnetic poles. The pattern of normal and reversed magnetic poles as recorded in the rock on either side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge provide evidence supporting the Theory of Plate Tectonics because -

• the composition of the rock changed every time the plates pushed against each other.

• the symmetric pattern shows where plates are moving away from each other.

• deposits of iron in the rock were only made when the plates stopped moving.

• " the bands of rock showing normal and reversed poles are not all the same width."

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following crustal features would be the result of two continental tectonic plates moving away from each other?

• Mountain range

• Volcanoes on land

• Rift valley

• Mid-ocean ridge

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3