Theory of Plate Tectonics

What are the primary forces driving plate tectonics?

• Mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push.

• Gravity and magnetic fields.

• Wind and solar radiation.

• Ocean currents and atmospheric pressure.

What is the significance of the letter 'L' in tectonic diagrams?

• It indicates the location of a Mid-Ocean Ridge.

• It represents the location of tectonic plate boundaries.

• It marks the position of volcanic islands.

• It shows the depth of oceanic trenches.

What role do volcanoes play in plate tectonics?

• Volcanoes are primarily formed in the center of tectonic plates.

• Volcanoes are often formed at tectonic plate boundaries, particularly at subduction zones and mid-ocean ridges, where magma can escape to the surface.

• Volcanoes have no relation to tectonic plate movements.

• Volcanoes are only found in oceanic regions and do not affect continental plates.

What is the relationship between tectonic plates and earthquakes?

• Earthquakes occur randomly and are not related to tectonic plates.

• Earthquakes often occur at the boundaries of tectonic plates due to the stress and friction that build up as plates move past each other.

• Tectonic plates are not involved in the occurrence of earthquakes at all.

• Earthquakes are caused by volcanic activity, not tectonic plate movement.

What does the letter 'N' represent in tectonic diagrams?

• A continental plate

• A transform fault

• A subducting plate

• An oceanic ridge

What is a subducting plate?

• A tectonic plate that is being forced under another plate into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

• A tectonic plate that is moving away from another plate, creating new crust.

• A tectonic plate that is sliding past another plate without significant vertical movement.

• A tectonic plate that is floating on the Earth's surface without interaction with other plates.

How do tectonic plates interact at convergent boundaries?

• They move away from each other, causing rift valleys.

• They slide past each other, resulting in earthquakes.

• They move towards each other, leading to subduction, mountain building, or volcanic activity.

• They remain stationary, causing no geological activity.

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

• Oceanic plates are thicker and less dense than continental plates.

• Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates.

• Oceanic plates and continental plates are identical in density and thickness.

• Continental plates are denser and thinner than oceanic plates.

What geological feature is formed at a Mid-Ocean Ridge?

• A trench formed by subduction of tectonic plates.

• A volcanic island arc created by oceanic hotspots.

• A Mid-Ocean Ridge formed by the upwelling of magma from the mantle.

• A continental shelf formed by sediment deposition.

What is the effect of plate tectonics on the Earth's surface?

• Plate tectonics has no significant effect on the Earth's surface.

• Plate tectonics creates only ocean basins and no other features.

• Plate tectonics shapes the Earth's surface by creating mountains, ocean basins, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

• Plate tectonics only causes earthquakes and volcanic activity.