Understanding Earthquakes and Tectonic Plates

What is the primary cause of natural earthquakes according to the video?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Movement of tectonic plates

• Weather changes

• Human activities

What is the term used by geologists for molten rock beneath the Earth's surface?

• Granite

• Magma

• Lava

• Basalt

How did the Earth's formation from dust contribute to its current geological structure?

• It caused the Earth to cool rapidly

• It led to the spinning and heating of the Earth

• It created large oceans

• It formed the atmosphere

What human activity is causing earthquakes in the North American Midwest?

• Mining for coal

• Drilling for oil and gas

• Deforestation

• Building large cities

What is the recommended action if you are inside a building during an earthquake?

• Go to the basement

• Stand in a doorway

• Run outside to an open area

• Stay inside and hide under furniture

Who was the scientist that first proposed the idea of tectonic plates?

• Charles Darwin

• Alfred Wegener

• Marie Curie

• Isaac Newton

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of tectonic plates?

• Similar fossils found on different continents

• The shape of mountain ranges

• The depth of the oceans

• The temperature of the Earth's core

What does the term 'tectonic' mean in Greek?

• Earth

• Rock

• Movement

• Builder

What role did submarines play in the development of tectonic plate theory?

• They discovered new continents

• They mapped underwater mountains

• They measured ocean temperatures

• They found new species of fish

What is a key implication of understanding tectonic plates for modern society?

• Developing new energy sources

• Improving agricultural practices

• Designing earthquake-resistant structures

• Predicting weather patterns