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.

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.
  

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

• droughts

• hurricanes

• earthquakes

• tornadoes

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other is called

• Divergent Boundary
• Convergent Boundary
• Transform Boundary
• Subduction

Scientists hypothesize that a super continent existed 200 million years ago.  This continent is called

• America
• Super Earth
• Pangea
• Eurasia

A Plate Boundary where two plates move toward each other is called

• Convergent Boundary
• Divergent Boundary
• Transform Boundary
• Subduction

What is the difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere that makes up the mantle?

• The lithosphere is ismade of dense solid meal whle the asthenosphere is made of liquid molten metal
• The lithosphere is a mixture of gasses while the asthenosphere is made of solid rock
• The lithosphere is molten rock that moves while the asthenosphere is ridid and thin
• The lithosphere is made of solid rock while the asthenosphere is more flexible hot rock that moves.

Divergent Plate movement can create

• Convection Currents
• Conduction
• Mountains
• Rifts and ocean ridges