Tectonic Plate

What are the mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates?

• slab pull and sea-floor spreading

• mantle convection and continental drift

• sea-floor spreading and continental drift

• mantle convection, ridge push, and slab pull

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

A plate boundary is a place where two tectonic plates meet. There are several types of tectonic plate boundaries. Which statement below shows the correct definition of a tectonic plate boundary?

• At a divergent boundary, plates separate.

• At a transform boundary, plates move apart.

• At a convergent boundary, plates slide past each other.

• At a divergent boundary, one plate sinks under another plate.

The movement of tectonic plates is so slow and gradual that you cannot see or feel them moving. As a result, scientists depend on the global positioning system (GPS) to verify tectonic plate motion. Satellites can measure the small distances that GPS ground stations move over time. In what units is the movement of tectonic plates measured?

• . meters/day

• meters/week

• centimeters/year

• kilometers/month

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Identify this type of plate movement

• Divergent Boundary

• Convergent Boundary

• Transform Boundary

• None

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What are the puzzle pieces of the Earth's surface called?

• Tectonic plates

• Puzzles

• Earthquakes

Answer explanation

The Earth's surface is divided into large sections known as tectonic plates. These plates float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere and are responsible for geological activities such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Where are the Pacific Plates located?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Where is the Eurasian Plate located?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Where is the Australian Plate located?

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following is NOT a type of tectonic plate?

• Continental plates

• Oceanic plates

• Mantle plates

• Lithospheric plates

Answer explanation

Mantle plates are not recognized as a type of tectonic plate. The main types are continental plates, oceanic plates, and lithospheric plates, which are involved in tectonic activity.

What type of plate boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other?

• Convergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Subduction zone

Answer explanation

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface. This is distinct from convergent and transform boundaries.