Plate Tectonics and Sea Floor Spreading

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

• The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's atmosphere and its impact on climate change.

• The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several large and small plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.

• The theory of plate tectonics is based on the idea that the Earth is flat and supported by giant plates.

• The theory of plate tectonics suggests that the Earth's crust is stationary and does not move over time.

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

• The three types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

• Convergent, parallel, and perpendicular boundaries

• Oceanic, continental, and island boundaries

• Subduction, collision, and spreading boundaries

Explain the process of sea floor spreading.

• Sea floor spreading is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon

• Sea floor spreading is a result of erosion from ocean waves

• Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed through volcanic activity and then gradually moves away from the mid-ocean ridges, creating new sea floor. This process is driven by the upwelling of magma from the mantle and the movement of tectonic plates.

• Sea floor spreading is driven by the movement of clouds in the atmosphere

What evidence supports the theory of sea floor spreading?

• The presence of mountains on the ocean floor supports the theory of sea floor spreading

• The theory of sea floor spreading is not supported by any evidence

• The age of the oceanic crust has no relation to the theory of sea floor spreading

• The evidence includes the presence of mid-ocean ridges, magnetic striping on the ocean floor, and the age of the oceanic crust.

How does the age of the oceanic crust change as you move away from the mid-ocean ridge?

• The age of the oceanic crust is not affected by the distance from the mid-ocean ridge.

• The age of the oceanic crust remains the same as you move away from the mid-ocean ridge due to the process of seafloor spreading.

• The age of the oceanic crust decreases as you move away from the mid-ocean ridge due to the process of seafloor spreading.

• The age of the oceanic crust increases as you move away from the mid-ocean ridge due to the process of seafloor spreading.

What is a divergent boundary and how does it relate to sea floor spreading?

• A divergent boundary is a tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other. This process is related to sea floor spreading because as the plates move apart, magma rises from the mantle to create new oceanic crust, leading to the widening of the ocean floor.

• A divergent boundary is a tectonic boundary where two plates remain stationary. This process is related to sea floor spreading because it causes earthquakes.

• A divergent boundary is a tectonic boundary where two plates move horizontally past each other. This process is related to sea floor spreading because it creates deep ocean trenches.

• A divergent boundary is a tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other. This process is related to sea floor spreading because the plates collide and form mountains.

What is the significance of magnetic striping on the ocean floor in relation to sea floor spreading?

• Magnetic striping on the ocean floor is caused by volcanic activity

• Magnetic striping on the ocean floor has no relation to sea floor spreading

• Magnetic striping on the ocean floor is a result of tectonic plate collisions

• Magnetic striping on the ocean floor provides evidence for sea floor spreading, as it shows alternating bands of magnetic polarity that align with the Earth's magnetic field reversals over time.

Explain the concept of subduction and its role in plate tectonics.

• Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate, leading to the recycling of old oceanic crust and the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs. This process plays a key role in the movement of Earth's lithosphere and the formation of mountain ranges and volcanic activity.

• Subduction is the process of tectonic plates moving away from each other

• Subduction has no role in plate tectonics

• Subduction only occurs on land and not in the ocean

What are the major tectonic plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere?

• The major tectonic plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere are the Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and South American Plate.

• The major tectonic plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere are the European Plate, Indian Plate, and Australian Plate.

• The major tectonic plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere are the South Pacific Plate, Caribbean Plate, and Arabian Plate.

• The major tectonic plates that make up the Earth's lithosphere are the Atlantic Plate, Arctic Plate, and Indian Plate.

How does the movement of tectonic plates contribute to the formation of mountains and ocean basins?

• Tectonic plates cause the Earth's crust to shrink and compress, leading to the formation of mountains and ocean basins

• The movement of tectonic plates causes the Earth's crust to fold, fault, and uplift, leading to the formation of mountains. It also creates deep ocean trenches and uplifts the ocean floor, contributing to the formation of ocean basins.

• The movement of tectonic plates has no impact on the formation of mountains and ocean basins

• The movement of tectonic plates only affects the formation of mountains, not ocean basins