Plate Tectonics

Which of the following provides evidence that the continents on tectonic plates have moved away from each other in the past?

• 1. The compositions and thicknesses of rock layers vary at different depths.

• 1. The frequency of volcanic activity is higher at the edges of tectonic plates.

• 1. Ocean currents can be disrupted near the boundaries between tectonic plates.

• Fossils of the same plants and animals are found on widely separated continents.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A student is researching the locations of tectonic plates and notices that mountains are often found at the boundary between two tectonic plates. Which of the following describes the plate movement that is most likely to create mountains?

• 1. Where plates are moving toward each other

• 1. Where one plate is moving away from another

• 1. Where plates slide past each other

• Where one plate moves under another

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following would most likely result in a volcano being formed?

• 1. Pressure builds between tectonic plates and is suddenly released when the plates move.

• 1. There is subduction of a dense oceanic plate under a less dense continental plate.

• 1. Tectonic plates move apart under the ocean, allowing molten magma to push through.

• 1. The edges of converging plates push against one another and force each other to crumple upward.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Which of the following models accurately depict superposition?

• 1. Models 2 and 3

• 1. Models 1 and 2

• 1. Models 1 and 3

• Models 1, 2, and 3

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

The map below shows the locations of tectonic plate boundaries in relation to the continents and the oceans of Earth. In which of the numbered locations would you NOT expect to observe earthquakes?

• 1. Location 1

• 1. Location 2

• 1. Location 3

• 1. Location 4

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Plate tectonics is helpful in explaining many things we observe on Earth. Which of the following is the best example of something that results from tectonic plate movement?

Select two correct answers.

• The dying out of some plants can affect animal populations.

• Erosion over time changes the shape of mountains.

• Seafloor spreading causes changes in coastlines.

• • 
    

    Rainfall amounts can change from year to year.

• Mountain ranges are formed when two plates collide.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Review the diagram of an ocean basin formation below. How does plate movement contribute to the formation of the new ocean floor?

• The plates crash into each other, forming mountains under water.

• The plates slide past each other, causing plate erosion which allows for the formation of new ocean floor.

• The sediments fall into the ocean, making new ocean floor.

• The plates move away from one another, allowing exposed magma to cool and become new ocean floor.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Mesosaurus is a freshwater reptile similar to the modern-day crocodile. Scientists have found Mesosaurus fossils on both Africa and South America. How is this information significant to the theory of plate tectonics?

• 
  The presence of the Mesosaurus is evidence that freshwater animals can swim across oceans.

• The presence of the Mesosaurus is evidence that continents are all made of oceanic plates.

• The presence of the Mesosaurus is evidence that these continents were once connected.

• The presence of the Mesosaurus is evidence that reptiles cannot survive plate movement.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The shaded area on the map provided below shows the location of the Ring of Fire. This area got its name from the many volcanoes and earthquakes that occur in that area. At which numbered locations would you expect to find tectonic plate boundaries?

Select the correct answers.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

A supervolcano is a very large volcano that can produce an eruption thousands of times larger than a regular volcano. Which of the following best describes the process that forms a supervolcano?

• Plate movement allows magma to rise from a hotspot and collect in a pool beneath the crust.

• 
  Tectonic plates converge with great force, creating large eruptions.

• A large amount of magma is exposed when plates diverge quickly.

• As plates slide past one another, high pressure forces magma upward.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2