Unit 2 Plate Tectonics

The movement of matter due to differences in density; the transfer of energy due to the movement of matter

• plate tectonics

• convergent boundary

• convection

• divergent boundary

Answer explanation

Convection is the process where matter moves due to density differences, transferring energy through this movement. It is distinct from plate tectonics and boundary types, which involve geological formations rather than energy transfer.

The process by which new oceanic lithosphere (sea floor) forms when magma rises to Earth's surface at mid-ocean ridges a solidifies (hardens) as older, existing sea floor moves away from the ridge.

• sea-floor spreading

• transform boundary

• plate tectonics

• convection

Answer explanation

The process described is known as sea-floor spreading, where new oceanic lithosphere forms at mid-ocean ridges as magma rises and solidifies, pushing older sea floor away from the ridge.

The Boundary between tectonic plates that are colliding.

• mid ocean ridges

• plate tectonics

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'convergent boundary' because it describes the area where tectonic plates collide, leading to phenomena like mountain formation and earthquakes.

The theory that Earth's outer layer is made up of large moving pieces called tectonic plates; the theory explains how plates interact and how those interactions relate to processes such as earthquakes and mountain building.

• mid ocean ridges

• plate tectonics

• divergent boundary

• convection theory

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'plate tectonics' as it describes the theory of Earth's outer layer consisting of moving tectonic plates, explaining their interactions and related processes like earthquakes and mountain building.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The boundary between tectonic plates that are sliding past each other horizontally.

• divergent boundary

• convergent boundary

• transform boundary

• plate tectonics

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'transform boundary' because it describes the tectonic plate boundary where plates slide past each other horizontally, unlike divergent or convergent boundaries which involve moving apart or colliding.

The boundary between tectonic plates that are moving away from each other.

• divergent boundary

• convergent boundary

• transform boundary

• plate tectonics

Answer explanation

The boundary where tectonic plates move away from each other is called a divergent boundary. This process creates new crust as magma rises to the surface, distinguishing it from convergent and transform boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

This type of plate boundary is most often associate with earthquake

• transform

• divergent

• convergent

Answer explanation

Transform plate boundaries are where tectonic plates slide past each other, causing friction and stress that often lead to earthquakes. This makes them the type of plate boundary most commonly associated with seismic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The Great Rift Valley in Africa occurs on land at this plate boundary

• divergent boundary

• transform boundary

• convergent boundary

Answer explanation

The Great Rift Valley is formed at a divergent boundary where tectonic plates move apart, creating rifts and valleys. This geological activity is characteristic of divergent boundaries, making it the correct answer.

The Himalayan mountains and Mt. Everest can be found at this plate boundary.

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

• transform boundary

Answer explanation

The Himalayan mountains, including Mt. Everest, are formed at a convergent boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collide, causing uplift and mountain formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

• transform boundary