8th Grade Unit 5: Tectonic Plate

Which of these landforms would most likely be found at a divergent boundary?

• Fault line

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Volcanic island

• Mountain

Answer explanation

A mid-ocean ridge forms at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This is distinct from fault lines, volcanic islands, and mountains, which are associated with other boundary types.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of these landforms is most likely to be found at a convergent boundary?

• Fault line

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Mountain

• Rift valley

Answer explanation

At a convergent boundary, tectonic plates collide, often resulting in the formation of mountains. This is due to the intense pressure and uplift caused by the collision, making 'Mountain' the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

In an area known as The Ring of Fire, volcanic island chains have formed in the Pacific Ocean. What most likely caused this to happen?

• Convergent plate boundary

• Divergent plate boundary

Answer explanation

The Ring of Fire is primarily formed by convergent plate boundaries, where tectonic plates collide, leading to volcanic activity and the creation of island chains in the Pacific Ocean.

What is occurring as a result of the plate collision?

• A mid-ocean ridge is forming.

• Subduction is occurring because oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.

• A divergent boundary is forming.

• A transform boundary is forming due to two plates sliding past one another.

Answer explanation

Subduction occurs when oceanic crust, being denser than continental crust, sinks beneath it during plate collision. This process leads to geological features like trenches and volcanic arcs.

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Which statement best describes the movement of Earth’s plates?

• The plates moved for millions of years but have now stopped.

• There is no evidence that plates ever moved.

• The plates stayed in one place for millions of years but are moving now.

• The plates are constantly moving and have been for millions of years.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that the plates are constantly moving and have been for millions of years. This reflects the ongoing nature of plate tectonics, which is supported by geological evidence.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following methods would best model how the mountains formed?

• Drop pennies into a pile

• Shake a soda bottle until the soda shoots up

• Drip water on the sides of a sugar cube

• Push two towels together

Answer explanation

The best model for mountain formation is 'Push two towels together' as it simulates tectonic plates colliding, causing uplift and creating mountains, unlike the other options which do not represent this geological process.

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Based on the diagram above, what type of geologic event is most likely to occur at this type of boundary?

• Ocean basin

• Earthquake

• Volcanic eruption

• Mountain building

Answer explanation

At this type of boundary, tectonic plates interact, often leading to stress accumulation and release. This process commonly results in earthquakes, making 'Earthquake' the most likely geologic event.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Mount Everest in the Himalayas continues to grow in height approximately four millimeters per year. The forces most likely responsible for the formation and growth of Mount Everest are due to a —

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

• transform boundary

• fault boundary

Answer explanation

Mount Everest's growth is due to the collision of tectonic plates at a convergent boundary, where the Indian plate pushes against the Eurasian plate, causing uplift and increasing its height.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Why would studying plate movement be important to scientists that study geologic time?

• Similar fossils being found on all continents

• Knowing that Pangea was a super-continent

• Why the oceans and continents have always been in the same locations

• Finding older rocks near continents and younger rocks near the center of oceans

Answer explanation

Studying plate movement helps scientists understand the distribution of rock ages. Older rocks are typically found near continents due to tectonic activity, while younger rocks are formed at mid-ocean ridges, revealing Earth's geological history.

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What does the diagram illustrate about Earth's history?

• In this time period, there were many less species of organisms on Earth.

• During this time period, man had developed the theories of continental drift and plate tectonics.

• The continents have always been in their current positions.

• The oceans have always been the same size.

Answer explanation

The correct choice highlights that during this time period, humans developed significant geological theories, indicating an understanding of Earth's dynamic history, unlike the other options which suggest static conditions.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3