Plate Motion: VOCAB and KEY CONCEPT review

What is a cross section?

• A sudden shaking of Earth's surface

• A diagram that shows what the inside of something looks like

• A long, deep indentation in the ocean floor

• A mountain range formed when two plates move apart

Answer explanation

A cross section is a diagram that illustrates the internal structure of an object, showing how different layers or components are arranged. This makes it the correct choice, as it directly defines what a cross section is.

What is the Earth's outer layer made of?

• Soft, solid rock

• Gas and lava

• Hard, solid rock

• Water and vegetation

Answer explanation

The Earth's outer layer, known as the crust, is primarily composed of hard, solid rock. This solid structure supports landforms and is distinct from the softer materials found deeper within the Earth.

What is an earthquake?

• A diagram that shows the inside of something

• A sudden shaking of Earth's surface

• A pattern observed over time

• A type of volcanic activity

Answer explanation

An earthquake is defined as a sudden shaking of the Earth's surface, caused by the movement of tectonic plates. This distinguishes it from other options, such as diagrams or volcanic activity, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is a plate boundary?

• The place where two plates meet

• A section of Earth's outer layer

• A type of volcanic activity

• A pattern in landforms

Answer explanation

A plate boundary is defined as the place where two tectonic plates meet. This interaction can lead to various geological activities, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, making this choice the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

• A long, deep indentation in the ocean floor

• An underwater mountain range formed when two plates move apart

• An underwater mountain range formed when two plates move together

• Any plate boundary located in an ocean

Answer explanation

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed when tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This distinguishes it from other geological features.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

• Plates move toward the same place

• Rock rises from the mantle and hardens, adding new solid rock

• Plates move away from one another in different directions

• One plate moves under the other, being absorbed by the mantle

Answer explanation

At divergent plate boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other. This allows magma to rise from the mantle, solidifying and creating new rock, which is why both correct answers highlight these processes.

Why can't humans experience the movement of Earth's plates?

• They move too fast to be seen.

• They move at a rate too slow to be experienced.

• They do not move at all.

• They move only during earthquakes.

Answer explanation

Earth's tectonic plates move very slowly, typically at rates of a few centimeters per year. This slow movement is imperceptible to humans, which is why we cannot experience it directly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is true about the time it takes for Earth's plates to travel great distances?

• It happens instantly

• It takes many many years - a very long time

• It takes years

• It never happens

Answer explanation

The movement of Earth's plates occurs very slowly, typically at rates of a few centimeters per year. Therefore, it takes many many years for them to travel great distances, making the correct choice the one that reflects this long time frame.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What type of plate boundary is this?

• Volcanic

• Divergent

• Convergent

• Mid-ocean ridge

Answer explanation

A convergent boundary occurs where two tectonic plates collide, often leading to mountain formation or subduction. This is distinct from divergent boundaries, which create mid-ocean ridges and volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is under the ocean?

• Water

• Hard, solid rock

• Soft, solid rock

• The mantle

Answer explanation

Under the ocean, the seafloor is primarily composed of hard, solid rock, which forms the Earth's crust. This rock layer is crucial for geological stability and supports various marine ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4