Nelson Tectonic Plates and Layers of Earth

The maps model how Earth's continents have moved over time.

Using the maps, on which two pairs of continents would similar fossils be found?

• South America and Australia

• North America and Australia

• Asia and Australia

• Africa and South America

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Diagram 1 shows dark-shaded areas of three continents that contain similar ancient rock structures.

• The diagram provides support for the theory that the continents have always been fixed in their current positions.

• The diagram provides support for the conclusion that the process of continental drift ended when the continents reached their current positions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Government agencies study natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions to make decisions about planning for natural disasters. The triangles on the map show the locations of potentially active volcanoes in the western United States.

Which statement is correct regarding the dangers of volcanic eruptions in the western United States?

• There is less danger of a volcanic eruption in the near future in Salt Lake City, Utah, than there is in Bend, Oregon.

• There is more danger of a volcanic eruption in the near future in San Diego, California, than there is in Seattle, Washington.

• Colorado should have a stricter volcano emergency plan than Washington State has.

• Utah should have a stricter volcano emergency plan than California has.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The table identifies the three types of tectonic plate boundaries on Earth's surface and their effect on the lithosphere.

Which three statements are correct about the effects of these plate boundaries on Earth's lithosphere?

• In Type 1 boundaries, new lithosphere will form because of the plates pulling apart from each other.

• In Type 2 boundaries, one plate is forced under the other, causing the lithosphere to form trenches.

• In Type 3 boundaries, one plate slides next to the other, creating ocean mountain ranges.

• Earthquakes tend to occur at both Type 2 and Type 3 boundaries.

• Volcanoes tend to occur at both Type 1 and Type 3 boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Students develop a simple model to illustrate how the movement of the mantle can predict the movement of plates above the mantle. This same phenomenon that influences plate movement can also influence fault formation. They demonstrated this process by using an aquarium, two foam blocks, water, and a heat source.

Which statement best describes what the model is representing on Earth?

• The heat source will evaporate the water and cause the North American and Eurasian Plates to collide.

• The convection currents will carry the North American and Eurasian Plates away from each other.

• The North American Plate will stop moving away from the Eurasian Plate when it reaches a barrier.

• The currents will cool down and the North American and Eurasian Plates will move back toward each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The New Madrid Seismic Zone has more earthquakes than the Southern Appalachian Seismic Zone. What is the most likely explanation that supports this statement?

• There are many more faults in the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

• There are fewer but larger fault lines in the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

• There is more influence underneath the New Madrid Seismic Zone from mantle convection.

• There is additional stress in the New Madrid Seismic Zone because it is closer to the plate boundary.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

How are faults that occur in the middle of tectonic plates different from plate boundaries?

• Plate boundaries are sites for earthquakes but faults are not.

• Plate boundaries occur between tectonic plates while faults can occur anywhere.

• Faults cover larger areas than the intersections between plates.

• Faults are the sites of volcanoes while the intersections between plates are not.

 One student says that geologists cannot predict earthquakes. Which statement contradicts the student's conclusion?

• Earthquakes are caused by changing weather conditions.

• Earthquakes can occur in every state in the United States.

• Earthquakes are statistically more common around fault lines.

• Earthquakes are caused by landslides occurring at Earth's surface.