Chap 9 EXAM; Plate Tectonics

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

• The Earth's crust is a single, solid shell.

• The Earth's crust is divided into several large and small plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

• The Earth's crust is made up of only oceanic plates.

• The Earth's crust is stationary and does not move.

Which was NOT evidence that supported Wegener's the theory of continental drift?

• The presence of similar rock formations on different continents.

• The distribution of identical species across continental divisions.

• Glacial striation patterns connecting glaciation on different continents

• The formation of new crust along mid-ocean ridges

Identify the type of tectonic boundary where two plates slide past each other.

• Convergent boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Subduction zone

What is the significance of magnetic reversals in understanding plate tectonics?

• They indicate the age of the Earth.

• They provide evidence for sea-floor spreading.

• They show the direction of ocean currents.

• They explain the formation of mountain ranges.

How did the supercontinent Pangaea contribute to our understanding of plate tectonics?

• It showed that continents have always been in their current positions.

• It provided evidence that continents were once connected and have since drifted apart.

• It proved that the Earth's surface is static.

• It demonstrated that only oceanic plates move.

Which of the following is a mechanism that drives plate motion?

• Gravitational pull from the moon

• Convection currents in the mantle

• Wind patterns on the Earth's surface

• Solar radiation

What type of boundary is most likely to form large mountain ranges?

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Convergent boundary

• Passive margin

Which of the following statements about sea-floor spreading is true?

• It occurs at convergent boundaries.

• It results in the destruction of oceanic crust.

• It creates new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.

• It is responsible for the formation of volcanic islands.

Which of the following best explains the breakup of Pangaea?

• The continents were eroded by wind and water.

• Tectonic forces caused the continents to drift apart over millions of years.

• A massive earthquake split the continents.

• Human activity led to the separation of the continents.

Which type of tectonic boundary is most associated with the creation of volcanic islands?

• continent-continent convergence

• ocean-ocean subduction zones (convergence)

• ocean-continent transform boundary

• ocean-continent subduction zones (convergence0