Plate Tectonics Quiz

What are mid-ocean ridges and ocean trenches?

How were mid-ocean ridges and ocean trenches discovered?

What was Harry Hess's hypothesis?

How did Harry Hess's hypothesis develop Wegener's theory of continental drift?

Describe the distribution of volcanoes shown in Map B.

Using an atlas, name the fold mountains.

Look carefully at Map C. Write a definition of mountain belts. Name the ocean floor features E and F. Describe the distribution of mountain ranges and ocean floor features using the guidelines from Question 5. Why do you think this map was so important in improving our understanding of what is happening in the lithosphere?

Look closely and compare the distribution patterns for volcanoes, earthquakes, mountain belts, and ocean floor features. Identify and describe any patterns you can see. Explain how these patterns might be linked.

Identify a link between Wegener's theory of continental drift and the distribution patterns you have described.

Use the following questions to help you write a paragraph to describe the distribution of earthquakes shown in Map A: Are the dots spread out all over the place, or do you think there is a pattern that you can see and then describe? Is there an area that has more earthquakes than others? Is there an area that has fewer earthquakes than others or no earthquakes? Are there clusters of earthquakes? Are they random or not? Are they in areas or lines or both? What geographical terms and features can you use to help geo-locate your pattern? For example, names of continents and oceans, or geographical locations, e.g., east, west, or the scale or length of the feature and the distance from the relevant coast/continent.