Intro to Plate Tectonics and Pangaea

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Question 1: Was Pangaea a small part of a small continent?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Pangaea was huge and it contained all the modern continents.

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Are the tectonic plates currently moving?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. Usually 1-2 inches per year.

Are the tectonic plates above the Earth's crust?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. The plates are below the Earth's crust.

Are transform boundaries considered destructive?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No, they are "conservative." No new plates are made (which would be called constructive) or destroyed (which would be called destructive).

Is the part of tectonic plates closest to an ocean ridge newer (younger) than parts farther from an ocean ridge?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. Divergent boundaries, like an ocean ridge, make new tectonic plate margins. As older plate parts are pushed away, newer plate parts are made.

Can an ocean trench be made where one tectonic plate subducts?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. An example is the Mariana Trench between two oceanic crusts & their associated plates.

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Can a convergent boundary cause continental lift and mountains?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. If it's an ocean-continent convergent boundary, then the overlying continent may be lifted.

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Does the Richter scale measure the heights of volcanoes?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. It measures how severe an earthquake or other tremor (e.g., from a volcano) is.