Plate Tectonics

Which layer of the Earth is liquid due to the melting point being lower than the actual temperature?

• crust

• outer core

• inner core

• asthenosphere

The movement of the tectonic plates is caused by

• the rotation of the Earth.

• convection currents in the Asthenosphere

• the gravity of the iron-nickel core.

• the Moho discontinuity.

In some areas of the world, like California and Japan, earthquakes are a common occurrence. How can this best be explained?

• The strong ocean currents are undermining both areas causing earthquakes.

• Both areas are located near the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the unstable sand causes earthquakes.

• Both areas are subjected to strong ocean wind and waves that causes earthquakes.

• Both areas are on the boundary of active plates, the motion of the plates causes earthquakes.

Subduction zones occur on Earth where dense oceanic crust dives under more buoyant continental crust. These boundaries are characterized by a deep ocean trench next to a high continental mountain range, large numbers of earthquakes and volcanoes. All of this is further evidence for the

• big bang theory.
• theory of plate tectonics.
• origin of the species.
• theory of natural selection.
  

There are three types of plate boundaries. Which choice is NOT a type of plate boundary?

• convergent
• thrust
• divergent
• transform

Observe this diagram of a plate boundary. One statement BEST describes what is happening. It is that

• the oceanic crust is melting.

• the denser ceanic crust is subducting under the less dense oceanic crust

• volcanic islands are forming.

• the tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

The Earth’s surface is not a solid surface but is divided into

• several oceanic plates.
• continental and crustal plates.
  
• seven continental plates.
• continental and oceanic plates.
  

Which geological features MOST LIKELY prompted the development of the theory of plate tectonics?

• river deltas
• mountain ranges
• glacier fields
• tropical rainforests
  

What is the source of energy that drives plate movement?

• the subducton of the sea floor

• the different densities of the oceanic and crustal plates

• convection currents in the asthenosphere

• the friction force between the plates that move past each other

Where would sea floor spreading most likely occur?

• At convergent boundaries (oceanic vs. oceanic)

• At convergent boundaries (oceanic vs. continental)

• At divergent plate boundaries (oceanic vs. oceanic)

• At transform plate boundaries