Plate Tectonics

As you go deeper inside the Earth...

• the pressure increases and the temperature decreases. 

• the pressure decreases and the temperature increases.

• the pressure and the temperature both increase. 

• the pressure and the temperature both decrease. 

By which method does heat transfer from the hot inner core to the crust?

• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

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NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In 1912, Alfred Wegner first proposed his hypothesis of continental drift. He gathered a great deal of data and observations to support his claim that the continents were in motion. Which statement would best support Wegner’s hypothesis?

• Glaciers are found on parts of continents that are close to the poles.

• The movement of the continents cannot be measured in our lifetimes.

• South America and Africa fit together like a puzzle.

• North America and South America are connected.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

To be useful as an index fossil, a fossil needs to meet which two conditions?

• Have a wide distribution and exist for a geologically long period of time

• Have a wide distribution and exist for a geologically short period of time

• Have a narrow distribution and exist for a geologically long period of time 

• Have a narrow distribution and exist for a geologically short period of time

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NGSS.MS-LS4-1

On an expedition to Antarctica, scientists have discovered fossils of plants that are found in tropical rainforests. What statement best explains this discovery?

• Tropical plants grow on Antarctica during summer months.

• Antarctica used to be located closer to the equator.

• Fossilized remains were carried by ocean currents.

• The ice age froze the tropical plants in ice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Earth’s surface is made up of tectonic plates that move slowly. The diagram below shows several of Earth’s tectonic plates. The arrows show the direction in which the plates are moving. Which of the following is the most likely outcome of the interaction between the Nazca Plate and the Pacific Plate?

• The Nazca Plate will slide under the South American Plate and form a rift valley.

• The Nazca Plate will slide under the South American Plate and lead to volcano formation.

• The two plates will slide away from each other and form a mid-ocean ridge.

• The two plates will slide away from each other and lead to earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Mark is graphing data collected from satellite images.  He notices that a rift valley in the Red Sea keeps getting larger.  What type of plate boundary is he mapping?

• transform boundary

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

• collision boundary

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Divergent boundaries occur where magma rises to the surface in between two tectonic plates. The magma rises, cools, and pushes the two plates apart.  Where do divergent boundaries most often occur?

• in the desert

• in the arctic 

• at the top of mountains

• at the bottom of oceans

During the last 50 million years, the lithospheric plates carrying modern day India moved toward its present position. As it moved, the Himalayan Mountains were formed along the boundary of the Indian and the Eurasian plate. Which is the best answer to explain the type of movement between these plates?

• The two continental plates moved past each other.

• The two continental plates moved toward each other.

• The two continental plates moved away from each other.

• The continental and oceanic plates moved toward each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The geological theory that states that pieces of Earth’s lithosphere are in constant, slow motion is the theory of

• subduction.

• plate tectonics.

• deep-ocean trenches.

• sea-floor spreading.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3