STAAR Blitz Day 6: Changing Earth & Human Impact

How does plate tectonics provide evidence that Earth has changed over time?

What causes magma to rise at mid-ocean ridges?

What type of boundary does the Great Rift Valley form at? Explain.

How can artificial reefs positively impact the ocean?

How can agricultural activities affect surface water?

Correctly identify the motion and landforms/processes associated with each type of plate boundary.

Groups:

(a) Transform Boundary

,

(b) Convergent Boundary

,

(c) Divergent Boundary

• mountains

• mid-ocean ridges

• volcanoes

• rift valleys

• move toward each other

• trenches

• fault lines

• plates slide past each other

• sea-floor spreading

• plates move away from each other

• earthquakes

Which statements accurately describe tectonic plate movement?

Select TWO correct answers.

• The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in Earth’s mantle.

• The movement of tectonic plates is caused by the gravitational attraction between the sun and Earth.

• The movement of tectonic plates continuously shapes and changes Earth’s surface.

• The movement of tectonic plates does not cause earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

• The movement of tectonic plates has little effect on shaping and changing Earth’s surface.

Which human activity has a positive impact on Earth’s ocean systems?

• Building artificial reefs

• Catching fish at a faster rate than they can reproduce

• Building homes in coastal areas rather than rural areas

• Introducing invasive species to an area

How does building artificial reefs have a positive impact on Earth's ocean systems?

• This activity decreases competition among marine predators.

• This activity supports a variety of marine populations and increases biodiversity.

• This activity depletes fish populations and reduces biodiversity.

• This activity leads to a decrease in habitats for marine populations.