Earth's Structure & Plate Tectonics

What are the three main layers of the Earth?

• crust, core, atmosphere

• lithosphere, asthenosphere, mesosphere

• outer core, inner core, crust

• crust, mantle, core

Answer explanation

The three main layers of the Earth are the crust, mantle, and core.

Which layer of the Earth is divided into tectonic plates?

• mantleplate

• lithosphere

• crustosphere

• corelayer

Answer explanation

The layer of the Earth that is divided into tectonic plates is the lithosphere.

What are the four types of plate boundaries?

• Subduction

• Divergent, Convergent, Transform, Plate Boundary Zones

• Collision

• Fault

• Extensional

Answer explanation

The four types of plate boundaries are Divergent, Convergent, Transform, and Plate Boundary Zones.

At which type of plate boundary do plates move apart?

• Transform plate boundaries

• Convergent plate boundaries

• Divergent plate boundaries

• Subduction plate boundaries

Answer explanation

At divergent plate boundaries, plates move apart from each other, leading to the formation of new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading.

What is the process called when continents drift apart over time?

• continental drift

• continental shift

• continental movement

• continental separation

Answer explanation

Continental drift is the process when continents drift apart over time, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

• Fit of continents, similarities in rock formations and fossils, matching mountain ranges and geological structures, distribution of ancient climates and glaciation patterns

• Changes in wind patterns

• Variations in cloud formations

• Different colors of the ocean

Answer explanation

The evidence supporting the theory of continental drift includes the fit of continents, similarities in rock formations and fossils, matching mountain ranges and geological structures, and distribution of ancient climates and glaciation patterns.

What happens at a subduction zone?

• One tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate

• Both plates move away from each other

• The plates collide and form mountains

• The plates rotate around each other

Answer explanation

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate, which is what happens in this geological process.

Which tectonic plate is being subducted beneath the South American plate?

• Nazca Plate

• African Plate

• Antarctic Plate

• Pacific Plate

Answer explanation

The correct tectonic plate being subducted beneath the South American plate is the Nazca Plate.

What geological feature is formed when an oceanic plate is subducted beneath a continental plate?

• Ridge

• Trench

• Canyon

• Volcano

Answer explanation

When an oceanic plate is subducted beneath a continental plate, a trench is formed due to the bending and downward movement of the oceanic plate into the mantle.

What is the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?

• Pangaea

• Eurasia

• Gondwana

• Atlantis

Answer explanation

The correct name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago is Pangaea.