Plate Tectonics and Crustal Features

Examining rocks that form on either side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge provides evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics. These rocks provide evidence of plate movement. What is happening to the rocks as they get farther and farther from the ridge?

• They are made up of smaller particles.

• They have higher iron content.

• They become increasingly older.

• They become thinner and thinner.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which geologic events occur most often at a mid-oceanic ridge plate boundary?

• Magnetic pole reversals and cooling of ocean water

• Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

• Meteorite impacts and tilting of shorelines

• Water pollution and water heating

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The map below shows dark bands that indicate long mountain ranges on the west coasts of North America and South America. What caused the formation of these mountain ranges?

• deposition of river sediments entering the ocean

• collision of lithospheric tectonic plates

• erosion of continental coastlines by ocean waves

• uneven heating of Earth’s surface

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Ring of Fire is an area along the edge of the Pacific Ocean with many volcanoes. Which of these geologic areas is where rock is recycled by one tectonic plate sliding underneath another tectonic plate?

• a strike-slip fault

• a subduction zone

• a rift valley

• a divergent boundary

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Earthquakes are experienced in many areas on the planet. What is occurring that results in earthquakes

• two tectonic plates sliding past each other

• two tectonic plates pulling away from each other

• tectonic plates being weathered over time

• tectonic plates melting as they slide into the mantle

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Currently, there are 44 active volcanoes in the Andes Mountains in South America. Why are volcanoes so common in mountain ranges such as the Andes?

• The Andes absorb more solar radiation and create the heat necessary to form lava

• The Andes are located largely in rainforests where the hot climate supports volcano formation

• The Andes are at a high elevation, which is necessary for volcano cone formation.

• The Andes are in a region where a crustal plate is moving under another plate, which causes volcano formation.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The diagram below shows the collision of an oceanic plate and a continental plate. At which location would a natural disaster least likely to occur?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which of the following statements best explains why earthquakes occur more frequently in California than in Florida?

• California is located on the boundary of two crustal plates, but Florida is not.

• The rock under California is soft, but the rock under Florida is hard.

• Rock found in California is sedimentary, but rock found in Florida is igneous.

• California is located on a continental plate, but Florida is not.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The Philippine Islands formed when crustal plates move over a hot spot in Earth's mantle. When the hot spot erupts in a volcano, magma becomes lava and is deposited, which forms a new island. Over time, which of the following happens?

• The plate is lifted up and the newly formed island is raised from the hot spot.

• The plate is pulled under and the newly formed island is separated from the hot spot.

• The plate becomes stable and the newly formed island is detached from the hot spot.

• The plate continues to move and the newly formed island moves away from the hot spot.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following models best describes the scientific theory of plate tectonics?

• Building a rocket model and launching it.

• Counting the number of pennies that land heads up after each toss

• Using a basketball to block the light from a lamp on a ping pong ball

• Mixing vinegar and baking soda together in a flask and watching the reaction.

• Placing two pieces of cardboard over a layer of shaving cream and pushing them together.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1