Plate Tectonics Quiz

Who first proposed the theory of continental drift?

• Charles Darwin

• Isaac Newton

• Christopher Scotese

• Alfred Wegener

Answer explanation

The theory of continental drift was first proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

• Fossils found on continents separated by oceans

• Computer simulations of tectonic plate movement

• Seismic activity near tectonic plate boundaries

• Magnetic variations on the seafloor

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener used fossils found on continents separated by oceans as evidence to support his theory of continental drift.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the theory that explains the movement of Earth's land masses?

• Plate tectonics

• Pangaea Proxima

• Seafloor spreading

• Continental drift

Answer explanation

Plate tectonics is the theory that explains the movement of Earth's land masses. It describes how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several plates that move and interact with each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What technology was used to discover the magnetic variations on the seafloor?

• Magnetometer

• Radar

• Seismometer

• Sonar

Answer explanation

The magnetic variations on the seafloor were discovered using a magnetometer, which is a technology specifically designed for this purpose.

Why do earthquakes occur in specific places rather than equally all over Earth?

• The presence of volcanoes

• The influence of the Moon's gravity

• The rotation of Earth

• The movement of tectonic plates

Answer explanation

Earthquakes occur in specific places due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What causes energy to be released in the form of earthquakes?

• The collision of tectonic plates

• The melting of Earth's crust

• The rotation of Earth

• The movement of ocean currents

Answer explanation

Energy is released in the form of earthquakes due to the collision of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What do alternating magnetic stripes on the seafloor indicate?

• The presence of underwater volcanoes

• The location of deep-sea trenches

• The movement of tectonic plates

• The reversal of Earth's magnetic field

Answer explanation

Alternating magnetic stripes on the seafloor indicate the reversal of Earth's magnetic field.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Why is the theory of plate tectonics considered more complete than the theory of continental drift?

• It predicts the future arrangement of continents

• It provides a detailed timeline of continental movement

• It accounts for the presence of fossils on different continents

• It explains why Earth's continents are moving

Answer explanation

The theory of plate tectonics is considered more complete than the theory of continental drift because it explains why Earth's continents are moving.

How long does it take for tectonic plates to move a few centimeters?

• One year

• One day

• One month

• One week

Answer explanation

Tectonic plates take a long time to move a few centimeters, typically over the course of one year.

What is the predicted future configuration of Earth's continents called?

• Pangaea

• Pangaea Nova

• Pangaea Ultima

• Pangaea Proxima

Answer explanation

The predicted future configuration of Earth's continents is called Pangaea Proxima.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1