Plate Tectonics

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The map in the picture shows tectonic plate boundaries. This map would be useful in predicting the location of future

• droughts

• hurricanes

• earthquakes

• tornadoes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What geological forces might be responsible for this range of mountains?

• diverging tectonic plates
• erosion of the land by the ocean
• converging tectonic plates
• deposition of sediments by the ocean
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by a shift in two plates that pushed one section of the sea floor under another section of the sea floor by 5 meters. What type of boundary is this?

• divergent

• convergent

• transform

• metamorphic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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

In sea-floor spreading, molten material rises from the mantle and erupts

• along the edges of all the continents.

• along mid-ocean ridges.

• in deep-ocean trenches.

• at the north and south poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the correct order (starting from the surface) of Earth’s layers?

• crust, outer core, inner core, mantle

• mantle, outer core, inner core, crust

• crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

• outer core, inner core, crust, mantle

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1