Exploring Plate Tectonics

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

• Fracture, Shear, Tension

• Divergent, Convergent, Transform

• Subduction, Compression, Expansion

• Lateral, Radial, Axial

Describe the characteristics of a convergent boundary.

• Convergent boundaries are where tectonic plates move apart, causing rift valleys.

• Convergent boundaries are characterized by tectonic plates sliding past each other, leading to minimal geological activity.

• Convergent boundaries are defined by tectonic plates remaining stationary, resulting in no earthquakes or volcanic activity.

• Convergent boundaries are characterized by tectonic plates moving towards each other, leading to subduction, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.

What type of movement occurs at a transform boundary?

• Lateral movement or sliding past each other.

• Vertical movement or up and down

• Converging towards each other

• Diverging away from each other

Explain the process of ocean floor spreading.

• Ocean floor spreading leads to the formation of mountain ranges on land.

• Ocean floor spreading occurs only at continental shelves.

• Ocean floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

• Ocean floor spreading is the result of tectonic plates colliding.

What geological features are commonly formed at divergent boundaries?

• Mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and volcanic islands.

• Plateau formations

• Deserts

• Mountain ranges

How do tectonic plates interact at subduction zones?

• Tectonic plates interact at subduction zones by one plate being forced under another, leading to geological features like trenches and volcanic activity.

• Tectonic plates slide past each other without interaction.

• One plate rises above the other, creating mountain ranges.

• Plates remain stationary, causing no geological changes.

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

• Weather patterns

• Magnetic field reversals

• Ocean currents

• Evidence supporting the theory of plate tectonics includes continental drift, fossil distribution, geological similarities, and seismic activity.

Describe the role of mantle convection in plate movements.

• Plate movements are solely caused by ocean currents.

• Mantle convection has no effect on tectonic plates.

• Mantle convection cools the Earth's surface and stops plate movement.

• Mantle convection drives the movement of tectonic plates through convection currents in the Earth's mantle.

What is the significance of the mid-ocean ridge?

• The mid-ocean ridge is a site for underwater volcanoes only.

• The mid-ocean ridge marks the boundary between continental plates.

• The mid-ocean ridge is primarily responsible for ocean currents.

• The mid-ocean ridge is significant for seafloor spreading and the formation of new oceanic crust.

How do earthquakes relate to plate tectonics?

• Earthquakes are solely caused by volcanic activity, not plate movements.

• Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates at their boundaries.

• Earthquakes occur randomly and have no relation to tectonic plates.

• Tectonic plates are formed by the heat generated from earthquakes.