Yr 9 ACARA Plate Tectonic Revision Questions

Who proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912?

• Alfred Wegener

• Charles Darwin

• Isaac Newton

• Albert Einstein

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in 1912.

What was the name of the supercontinent mentioned by Alfred Wegener?

• Euramerica

• Gondwana

• Pangaea

• Laurasia

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener mentioned the supercontinent Pangaea in his theory of continental drift.

What is the main material composition of the Earth's outer core?

• Carbon and iron

• Oxygen and silicon

• Iron and nickel

• Silicon and magnesium

Answer explanation

The main material composition of the Earth's outer core is iron and nickel, making it primarily composed of these elements.

Which type of crust is usually thicker?

• Oceanic crust

• Continental crust

• Mantle crust

• Basaltic crust

Answer explanation

Continental crust is usually thicker than oceanic crust due to its composition and formation process.

What geological feature forms when two oceanic plates diverge?

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Mountain range

• Volcanic arc

• Rift valley

Answer explanation

When two oceanic plates diverge, a mid-ocean ridge forms as magma rises up to fill the gap created by the separating plates.

What is a hotspot in geological terms?

• A rising plume of hot mantle material

• A small area of oceanic islands

• A zone with no volcanic activity

• A region of particularly cold mantle rock

Answer explanation

A hotspot in geological terms refers to a rising plume of hot mantle material, which is the correct choice in this context.

What happens when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate?

• Neither plate is affected

• The oceanic plate subducts

• Both plates melt completely

• The continental plate subducts

Answer explanation

When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate due to its higher density.

Which type of boundary is associated with the creation of new oceanic crust?

• Subductive boundary

• Transform boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Convergent boundary

Answer explanation

The creation of new oceanic crust is associated with divergent boundaries where tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and solidify, forming new crust.

What is the primary cause of earthquakes according to the text?

• Sudden climate changes

• Meteor impacts

• Movement along fault lines

• Oceanic currents

Answer explanation

Movement along fault lines is the primary cause of earthquakes according to the text.

How is Australia geologically similar to Hawaii?

• Both are entirely made of oceanic crust

• Both are located on active fault lines

• Both have frequent and large earthquakes

• Both host hotspot volcanic activity

Answer explanation

Both Australia and Hawaii host hotspot volcanic activity, making them geologically similar in that aspect.