Plate Tectonics Quiz

How do convection currents within the Earth's mantle contribute to the movement of tectonic plates?

• They cool down the mantle, causing the plates to move apart.

• They cause the mantle to solidify, reducing plate movement.

• They transfer heat from the core to the mantle, creating currents that move the plates.

• They increase the density of the plates, causing them to sink.

Answer explanation

Convection currents within the Earth's mantle transfer heat from the core to the mantle, creating currents that move the tectonic plates.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Explain how the presence of similar fossils on different continents supports the theory of plate tectonics.

• It suggests that the continents were once connected but have drifted apart due to plate movements.

• It indicates that these organisms were capable of long-distance travel across oceans.

• It shows that the climate on different continents was similar in the past.

• It proves that the continents have not moved over time.

Answer explanation

It suggests that the continents were once connected but have drifted apart due to plate movements.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What role do mid-ocean ridges play in the process of seafloor spreading?

• They absorb old oceanic crust.

• They push old oceanic crust away from the ridge, creating new seafloor.

• They decrease the rate of seafloor spreading.

• They stabilize the ocean floor and prevent it from spreading.

Answer explanation

Mid-ocean ridges push old oceanic crust away from the ridge, creating new seafloor during the process of seafloor spreading.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Describe how the theory of plate tectonics explains the occurrence of earthquakes.

• Earthquakes occur due to the moon's gravitational pull on the Earth.

• They are caused by volcanic activity unrelated to plate boundaries.

• Earthquakes result from the movement of plates along faults at or near plate boundaries.

• They are random events that do not correlate with plate tectonics.

Answer explanation

Earthquakes result from the movement of plates along faults at or near plate boundaries.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How does the age of rocks on the ocean floor provide evidence for plate tectonics?

• Older rocks are found near the mid-ocean ridges and get younger as you move away.

• The age of rocks is uniform throughout the ocean floor.

• Younger rocks are found near the mid-ocean ridges and get older as you move away.

• Rock age does not vary and thus does not support plate tectonics.

Answer explanation

Younger rocks are found near the mid-ocean ridges and get older as you move away, providing evidence for plate tectonics.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What is the primary mechanism by which tectonic plates can create mountains?

• Erosion of the plate surface by wind and water.

• Expansion of the plates due to heating.

• Collision of two continental plates pushing the crust upwards.

• The sinking of oceanic crust beneath continental crust.

Answer explanation

Collision of two continental plates pushing the crust upwards is the primary mechanism by which tectonic plates can create mountains.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

How do divergent plate boundaries contribute to geological features on Earth?

• They primarily cause deep ocean trenches.

• They result in the formation of mountain ranges.

• They lead to the creation of new oceanic crust and rift valleys.

• They are mainly responsible for volcanic islands.

Answer explanation

Divergent plate boundaries contribute to the creation of new oceanic crust and rift valleys on Earth.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Explain the process and significance of subduction in the context of plate tectonics.

• Subduction is the process where a denser plate slides over a lighter plate, causing little geological activity.

• It involves the sinking of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate, leading to volcanic activity and mountain formation.

• Subduction is the expansion of the seafloor that reduces volcanic and earthquake activity.

• It is the upward movement of molten rock that forms new crust without causing any major geological events.

Answer explanation

Subduction involves the sinking of an oceanic plate beneath a continental plate, leading to volcanic activity and mountain formation.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What evidence from paleomagnetism supports the theory of plate tectonics?

• The consistent magnetic polarity across all continents.

• The alignment of magnetic minerals in rocks shows reversals that match the seafloor's age.

• A single magnetic pole that has remained fixed over geological time.

• Magnetic fields that do not align with the current magnetic poles.

Answer explanation

The alignment of magnetic minerals in rocks shows reversals that match the seafloor's age.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Discuss the impact of plate tectonics on the distribution of fossil fuels.

• Plate tectonics has no impact on the distribution of fossil fuels.

• The movement of tectonic plates disperses fossil fuels evenly across the globe.

• Tectonic activity can trap organic materials in sedimentary basins, eventually forming fossil fuels.

• Fossil fuels are only found in the cores of continents where there is no tectonic activity.

Answer explanation

Tectonic activity can trap organic materials in sedimentary basins, eventually forming fossil fuels.

Tags

DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking