Tectonic Plates

The earth’s lithosphere is divided into huge slabs of solid rock called tectonic plates. Which of the tectonic plates listed below is NOT a major tectonic plate?

• African Plate

• Caribbean Plate

• Antarctic Plate

• Eurasian Plate

In what tectonic plate are most of the islands in the Philippines found?

• African plate

• Philippine Sea Plate

• Eurasian Plate

• Philippine Mobile Plate

The crust is composed of the most common igneous rocks, basalt and granite. Basalt is dark and dense while granite is light and less dense. What type of rock makes up most of the oceanic crust?

• Basalt

• Granite

• Limestone

• Shale

Which statement does NOT correctly describe the tectonic plates?

• The lithospheric plates are in constant motion.

• The lithospheric plates are composed of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

• Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes frequently occur at their margins.

• Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes do not occur at their margins.

What is the Plate Tectonics Theory?

• It states that the lithosphere is composed of a crust and an upper mantle.

• It explains the similarities of countries in terms of rock components.

• It states that the plates are moving due to the energy from the mantle.

• It states that the lithosphere is divided into slabs called plates, which float and gradually move.

How do scientists determine the epicenter of an earthquake?

• They study the arrival time of P and S waves.

• They determine the speed of seismic waves.

• They record the magnitude of the earthquake.

• They assess the intensity of the earthquake.

Why do most earthquake epicenters exist along plate boundaries?

I. blocks of rock drop-down at the divergence of plates

II. asthenosphere moves due to convection currents.

III. rocks slip past each other in the boundaries

IV. subducting plates instantly slide

• I only

• I and II only

• I, III, IV only

• I, II, III, IV

What is the main reason why earthquakes occur along tectonic plate boundaries?

• Plates are stationary and stable.

• Plates are made of magma.

• Plates constantly move and interact.

• Plates float in the ocean.

What is the instrument used to record earthquake waves?

• Thermometer

• Seismograph

• Barometer

• Voltmeter

What is the method used by scientists to locate the epicenter of an earthquake?

• Reflection method

• Seismic inversion

• Triangulation method

• Plate tracing