Geological Processes Final Review

How many major tectonic plates are there on Earth?

• 1

• 3

• 12

• 16

Answer explanation

There are 12 major tectonic plates on Earth. These plates include the Pacific, North American, Eurasian, African, South American, Antarctic, Indo-Australian, and several smaller ones, making 12 in total.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Lithosphere

• Solid crust and upper mantle

• Inner and outer core

• Crust

• Mantle

Answer explanation

The lithosphere consists of the solid crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, distinguishing it from the inner and outer core, as well as the mantle itself.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Tectonic plates are constantly moving.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Tectonic plates are indeed constantly moving due to the heat from the Earth's interior causing convection currents in the mantle. This movement is a fundamental aspect of plate tectonics, making the statement true.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Earth's ____________ is broken up into pieces called tectonic plates.

• Lithosphere

• Asthenosphere

• Mantle

• Crust

Answer explanation

The Earth's lithosphere is the rigid outer layer that includes the crust and upper mantle, and it is divided into tectonic plates. The asthenosphere lies beneath it, while the mantle is deeper, making lithosphere the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Plate Tectonics

• Earth's surface is made of rigid plates that float on molten rock and move with respect to each other.

• Earth's surface is made of plastic-like plates that float on the lithosphere and move separately from each other.

• The process of new oceanic crust being created where molten rock pushes up from Earth's core.

• A method of measuring earthquakes.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that Earth's surface consists of rigid plates that float on molten rock, highlighting the dynamic nature of plate tectonics and their movement relative to each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What causes the asthenosphere to flow?

• Convection Currents

• Plastic

• Conveyer Belts

• Earthquakes

Answer explanation

The asthenosphere flows due to convection currents, which are caused by the heat from the Earth's interior. These currents create movement in the semi-fluid layer, allowing it to flow and facilitating tectonic plate movement.

What type of plate boundary is this?

• Plate

• Divergent

• Convergent

• Transform

Answer explanation

A convergent plate boundary occurs where two tectonic plates collide, often leading to mountain formation or subduction. This is the correct choice as it describes the interaction between plates that results in significant geological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Convection Currents

• Convection currents are the result of magnetic fields in fluids.

• Convection currents are the movement of fluid caused by temperature and density differences.

• Convection currents are caused by the gravitational pull of the Earth.

• Convection currents only occur in gases, not liquids.

Answer explanation

Convection currents occur due to differences in temperature and density within a fluid, causing it to move. This makes the second choice correct, as it accurately describes the mechanism behind convection currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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What boundary creates mountains?

• convergent

• divergent

• transform

• fast

Answer explanation

Mountains are primarily formed at convergent boundaries where tectonic plates collide. This collision causes the Earth's crust to fold and uplift, creating mountain ranges, making 'convergent' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Name the boundary.

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

• transform boundary

• sergent boundary

Answer explanation

A divergent boundary occurs where tectonic plates move apart, creating new crust. This is distinct from convergent and transform boundaries, making 'divergent boundary' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3