Plates

The diagram below shows a cross section of a tectonic plate boundary. Which terms BEST describe features 1, 2, and 3?

• 1 – continental crust, 2 – mantle, 3 – oceanic crust

• 1 – mantle, 2 – oceanic crust, 3 – continental crust

• 1 – oceanic crust, 2 – mantle, 3 – continental crust

• 1 – continental crust, 2 – oceanic crust, 3 – mantle

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What causes the tectonic plates of Earth to continually move?

• convection currents in the mantle

• volcanic and seismic activity in the crust

• strong winds and storms

• rotation of the solid core

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

The theory of plate tectonics provides the current explanation for the way in which

• stars change.

• continents move.

• rocks are formed.

• tides are produced.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following BEST explains why the tectonic plates of Earth move?

• conduction from solar heating

• heat convection from the mantle

• global winds

• ocean currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What process formed this delta?

• erosion and deposition

• condensation and precipitation

• shifting tectonic plates

• rock layer deformation

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

The surface of Earth is composed of large tectonic plates that are constantly shifting as they float on top of molten rock. Which process must occur in the mantle to make the plates move?

• normal faulting

• seafloor spreading

• igneous intrusions

• convection currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which property of rocks helped confirm the modern theory of plate tectonics?

• A rock can be weathered by water, wind, or plant roots.

• A rock’s composition influences how quickly it will weather.

• Rocks on land record the scrapes made by glaciers.

• Rocks in the ocean record Earth’s magnetic reversals.

Which of these BEST explains how tectonic-plate movement causes the formation of mountain ranges?

• Convection currents in the mantle force two plates to collide.

• Sediment builds upward due to crushing forces of subducting plates.

• The plates separate, allowing the asthenosphere to push through and later cool.

• Pressure from colliding plates melts rock that later cools to form large boulders.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Two tectonic plates are shown. Geologists predict that folded mountains will form in about 10 million years. Which BEST explains the motion of the tectonic plates?

• Plate 1 and Plate 2 are moving east.

• Plate 1 and Plate 2 are moving west.

• Plate 1 is moving west and Plate 2 is moving east.

• Plate 1 is moving east and Plate 2 is moving west.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Most volcanoes develop due to interactions between two tectonic plates. Which of the tectonic plate interactions is LEAST likely to produce volcanic activity?

• two diverging oceanic plates

• two converging oceanic plates

• two diverging continental plates

• two converging continental plates

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3