Earth Science SOL Unit 8 Test - Plate Tectonics

What occurs in subduction zones?

• Plates move apart

• Plates slide past each other

• Intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• Formation of mid-ocean ridges

Answer explanation

In subduction zones, one tectonic plate moves under another, leading to intense earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to the release of energy and melting of the subducted plate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is formed when coastal volcanic mountains are found above a subducting plate?

• Mid-Ocean Ridge

• Continental Arc

• Rift Valley

• Transform Fault

Answer explanation

When a tectonic plate subducts beneath another, it can lead to the formation of coastal volcanic mountains, known as a Continental Arc, due to the melting of the subducting plate and the resulting volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Label the parts of the fold.

a

b

c

Syncline

Axial Plane

Anticline Fold

Answer explanation

Refer to your notes on Faults and Folds of Plate Tectonics.

Which supercontinent is mentioned as having fragmented to form current continents?

• Gondwana

• Laurasia

• Pangaea

• Eurasia

Answer explanation

Pangaea is the supercontinent that existed around 335 million years ago and later fragmented to form the current continents. Gondwana and Laurasia were parts of Pangaea, but the correct answer is Pangaea.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the name of the weaker part of the mantle over which plates glide?

• Lithosphere

• Asthenosphere

• Mesosphere

• Stratosphere

Answer explanation

The asthenosphere is the weaker, semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to glide over it. This makes it the correct answer to the question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What is the process called when one plate goes under another?

• Subduction

• Rift

• Collision

• Erosion

Answer explanation

The process when one tectonic plate moves under another is called subduction. This occurs at convergent boundaries, leading to geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The name of the supercontinent that existed before Pangaea is (a)   .

• Gondwana

• Laurasia

• Rodinia
• Atlantis

Answer explanation

Rodinia is the correct answer as it was the supercontinent that existed before Pangaea, forming around 1.3 billion years ago and breaking apart about 750 million years ago.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What results from the sudden slippage of rock masses past one another?

• Volcanic eruption

• Earthquake

• Tsunami

• Landslide

Answer explanation

The sudden slippage of rock masses past one another releases energy, causing vibrations in the Earth's crust, which we experience as an earthquake. This is distinct from volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, or landslides.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Match the following parts of a fault with their descirptions.

• Fault Dip

• The angle at which the fault lies relative to the horizontal surface of the Earth

• Hanging Wall

• A trace of a fault or line of intersection between the fault line and Earth's surface

• Fault Strike

• The map direction the fault takes, measured east or west of true north.

• Fault Line

• Above the Fault Plane and below the Footwall, moves horizontally, vertically, or in both directions relative to the footwall

Answer explanation

Refer to your notes on Faults and Folds of Plate Tectonics.

What results in a Strike-Slip Fault?

• Vertical movement into the Earth

• Shear stresses causing horizontal movement

• The trace of a fault

• The angle at which the fault lies

Answer explanation

A Strike-Slip Fault occurs due to shear stresses that cause horizontal movement of the Earth's crust. This lateral movement distinguishes it from other fault types that involve vertical displacement.