Plate Tectonics and Plate Boundaries

The movement of the tectonic plates is caused by

• the rotation of the Earth.

• convection currents in the mantel.

• the gravity of the iron-nickel core.

• the Moho discontinuity.

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 oceanic crust is subducting (moving) under the less dense oceanic crust.

• volcanic islands are forming.

• the tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

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
  

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.
  

Where are earthquakes MOST LIKELY to occur?

• close to the equator

• close to the center of tectonic plates

• at divergent or convergent plate boundaries

• at transform plate boundaries

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

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

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

• Divergent Boundary
• Convergent Boundary
• Transform Boundary
• Subduction

New crust is created at this type of  boundary.

• Divergent
• Convergent, Subduction Zone
• Transform