Tectonic Plates and Boundaries Quiz

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

• Seafloor spreading

• Convection currents

• Rock similarities

• Fossil distribution

Answer explanation

Convection currents in the Earth's mantle create movement in the tectonic plates. These currents are caused by the heat from the Earth's core, leading to the plates shifting and causing geological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which type of plate boundary is responsible for creating new crust?

Answer explanation

A Divergent Boundary occurs where tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and solidify, creating new crust. This process is essential for the formation of oceanic ridges and new oceanic crust.

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

• Mountain range

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Earthquake fault line

• Ocean trench

Answer explanation

At a convergent boundary, tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountain ranges. This process occurs as one plate is forced over another, creating uplift and resulting in significant geological features like mountains.

Which evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

• Seafloor spreading

• Convection currents

• Fossil distribution

• Earthquake activity

Answer explanation

Fossil distribution supports continental drift by showing similar species found on widely separated continents, indicating they were once connected. This evidence aligns with the idea that continents have moved over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What occurs at a transform boundary?

• Subduction

• Earthquakes

• Mountain building

• New crust formation

Answer explanation

At a transform boundary, tectonic plates slide past each other, causing friction and stress that often results in earthquakes. Unlike subduction or mountain building, earthquakes are the primary geological activity at these boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The reason plates are moving, is because _______. (two words)

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that magma is semi-liquid and moves under the crust, causing tectonic plates to shift. This movement is driven by convection currents in the mantle, which are influenced by the heat from the Earth's core.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Select all that are correct. The Pacific plate is moving _______ .

• south

• east

• north

• west

Answer explanation

The Pacific plate is moving north and west due to tectonic activity. It is primarily moving northwest as it interacts with surrounding plates, making 'north' and 'west' the correct choices.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3