Plate Tectonics

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the Asthenosphere

Front

Why are earthquakes common in areas like California and Japan?

Back

Both areas are on the boundary of active plates, the motion of the plates causes earthquakes.

Front

Subduction zones occur on Earth where dense oceanic crust dives under more buoyant continental crust. These boundaries are characterized by a deep ocean trench next to a high continental mountain range, large numbers of earthquakes and volcanoes. All of this is further evidence for the

Back

theory of plate tectonics.

Front

Observe this diagram of a plate boundary. One statement BEST describes what is happening.

Back

the denser oceanic crust is subducting under the less dense oceanic crust

Front

The map in the picture shows tectonic plate boundaries. This map would be useful in predicting the location of future: droughts, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes

Back

earthquakes

Front

What geological forces might be responsible for this range of mountains?

Back

converging tectonic plates

Front

The Earth’s surface is divided into

Back

continental and oceanic plates.

Front

What is the source of energy that drives plate movement?

Back

convection currents in the asthenosphere

Front

Where are the youngest rocks on Earth found?

Back

Along mid-ocean ridges

Front

How far do tectonic plates move each year?

Back

Centimeters per year