Plate Tectonics Overview

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

• Tectonic boundaries, seismic boundaries, and fault boundaries.

• Divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.

• Subduction boundaries, lateral boundaries, and sliding boundaries.

• Collision boundaries, sliding boundaries, and rift boundaries.

Answer explanation

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

Explain how earthquakes and volcanoes are related to plate tectonics.

• Volcanoes erupt due to excessive rainfall

• Earthquakes and volcanoes are related to plate tectonics as they both occur at tectonic plate boundaries due to the movement and interactions of these plates.

• Plate tectonics have no impact on seismic activities

• Earthquakes are caused by meteor impacts

Answer explanation

Earthquakes and volcanoes are related to plate tectonics as they both occur at tectonic plate boundaries due to the movement and interactions of these plates.

Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

• Alfred Wegener

• Charles Darwin

• Marie Curie

• Isaac Newton

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory.

Describe the process of seafloor spreading.

• Seafloor spreading is caused by volcanic eruptions on land.

• Seafloor spreading occurs at the Earth's core.

• Seafloor spreading is the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

• Seafloor spreading is a result of tectonic plates colliding.

Answer explanation

Seafloor spreading is the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

What happens at subduction zones?

• The plates collide

• The plates move apart

• There is no movement

• One tectonic plate is forced beneath another

Answer explanation

At subduction zones, one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to the process of subduction.

What are some pieces of evidence that support the theory of plate tectonics?

• Changes in atmospheric pressure, ocean currents, cloud formations

• Different shapes of continents, presence of rivers, location of deserts

• Matching coastlines of continents, distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries, magnetic striping on the ocean floor, movement of hot spots relative to tectonic plates

• Variation in climate, types of vegetation, distribution of wildlife

Answer explanation

Matching coastlines of continents, distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries, magnetic striping on the ocean floor, movement of hot spots relative to tectonic plates are pieces of evidence supporting plate tectonics.

How do plates move on the Earth's surface?

• Plates are pushed by giant fans

• Plate tectonics driven by the movement of molten rock in the mantle

• Plates are controlled by magnetic fields

• Plates are moved by underground rivers

Answer explanation

Plate tectonics driven by the movement of molten rock in the mantle is the correct explanation for how plates move on the Earth's surface.

What determines the distribution of plate boundaries on Earth?

• Weather patterns

• Ocean currents

• Movement of tectonic plates

• Solar flares

Answer explanation

Movement of tectonic plates determines the distribution of plate boundaries on Earth.

What are some tectonic hazards associated with plate movements?

• blizzards

• earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides

• hurricanes

• droughts

Answer explanation

Plate movements can lead to tectonic hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and landslides.

How do earthquakes pose a hazard to human populations?

• Earthquakes can cause ground shaking, landslides, tsunamis, and structural damage to buildings, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and displacement of communities.

• Earthquakes can result in improved infrastructure

• Earthquakes can lead to increased agricultural productivity

• Earthquakes can enhance economic growth

Answer explanation

Earthquakes can cause ground shaking, landslides, tsunamis, and structural damage to buildings, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and displacement of communities.