7 Topic 5: Plate Tectonics

What type of boundary is this?

• Transform

• Divergent

• Convergent

Answer explanation

A convergent boundary occurs where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other. This is distinct from transform and divergent boundaries, making 'Convergent' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What causes magma to form at this plate boundary?

• the oceanic plate melting due to friction

• the oceanic plate pushes magma up from the mantle

• continental plate pulls magma up from the mantle

• the continental plate melting due to friction

Answer explanation

Magma forms at this plate boundary primarily due to the oceanic plate melting from friction as it subducts beneath the continental plate. This process generates heat, leading to the formation of magma.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What happens first?

1. 1. Magma created as it rises through cracks in crust.

2. 2. An oceanic plate subducts below a continental plate.

3. 3. The continental crust experiences uplift.

4. 4. The volcano erupts.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

The first step is 2: an oceanic plate subducts below a continental plate. This process creates conditions for magma formation, leading to uplift and eventually a volcanic eruption.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What happens last?

1. 1. Magma created as it rises through cracks in crust.

2. 2. An oceanic plate subducts below a continental plate.

3. 3. The continental crust experiences uplift.

4. 4. The volcano erupts.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What could be the reason the same plant-eating dinosaur fossil has been found on 5 different continents, including Antarctica?

• Ancient reptiles & plants were able to survive in extremely cold temperatures.

• Antarctica was once located at the equator.

• Antarctica was once located close to these continents.

• At some point the poles were warm.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that Antarctica was once located close to these continents. This proximity allowed for the migration of plant-eating dinosaurs across landmasses before continental drift separated them.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Name the boundary

• convergent boundary

• divergent boundary

• transform boundary

Answer explanation

A convergent boundary occurs where two tectonic plates collide, often leading to one plate being forced beneath another. This process can create mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, distinguishing it from divergent and transform boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

If in 10 million years the African continent will split in 2 separate landmasses, how is this supported?

• Shallow earthquakes near the coastline.

• Volcanoes

• Mid-ocean ridges forming

• an ocean trench forming

Answer explanation

The splitting of the African continent is supported by the formation of mid-ocean ridges, which occur as tectonic plates diverge. This process creates new oceanic crust, leading to the eventual separation of landmasses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How are supervolcanoes different from other volcanoes?

• very large and erupt frequently

• only form at hotspots

• only form in the ocean

• very large and extremely large eruptions

Answer explanation

Supervolcanoes are characterized by their very large size and the potential for extremely large eruptions, unlike other volcanoes which may be smaller and have less explosive activity.

The Hawaiian Islands and Yellowstone supervolcano were both formed where the magma is much hotter than in surrounding areas. The Hawaiian islands are in the middle of the Pacific Plate, and the Yellowstone supervolcano is located in the North American Plate.

What is shared by these volcanoes?

• both formed at convergent boundaries

• both located over hotspots

• both formed from oceanic crust

• both located near subduction zones

Answer explanation

Both the Hawaiian Islands and Yellowstone supervolcano are located over hotspots, where magma is hotter than in surrounding areas. This is the key similarity, as they are not formed at convergent boundaries or near subduction zones.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which of the following statements is true about island chains formed from hotspots?

• The oldest island is the smallest.

• The oldest island is the largest.

• The oldest island is located farthest from the hotspot.

• The oldest island is located nearest the hotspot.

Answer explanation

Hotspot islands form as tectonic plates move over a stationary hotspot. The oldest island, formed first, is located farthest from the hotspot, while newer islands are closer, making the correct statement true.