Earth Science Quiz on Plate Tectonics

Why do earthquakes frequently occur near tectonic plate boundaries?

• The plates are stationary and trap energy.

• The plates produce magma that causes tremors.

• Plates interact, causing stress accumulation and sudden release

• Earth's magnetic field influences boundary areas.

If two continental plates collide, which of the following best describes the likely outcome?

• Formation of volcanic island arcs

• Subduction and ocean trench formation

• Formation of high mountain ranges

• Creation of mid-ocean ridges

What can the pattern of earthquake epicenters and volcanic activity around the Pacific Ocean best be used to infer?

• Earth's rotation causes magma circulation

• The Pacific plate is completely stable

• The region marks a tectonically active zone called the Ring of Fire

• Earthquakes are random and unrelated to volcanoes

Why does oceanic crust subduct beneath continental crust at convergent boundaries?

• It is older and more radioactive

• It is less dense

• It is denser than continental crust

• It contains more fossil records

Which scenario best explains how plate tectonics contributes to the rock cycle?

• Subduction recycles crust into the mantle, forming new igneous rocks

• Plate movement causes erosion

• Continental drift destroys all sedimentary rocks

• Fault lines melt rocks into sediment

Why is the theory of plate tectonics considered a unifying theory in Earth science?

• It explains magnetic reversal patterns only

• It provides a framework for understanding diverse geologic phenomena

• It is based only on fossil evidence

• It disproves other geologic theories

What would most likely happen if mantle convection currents stopped?

• Earthquakes would increase

• Tectonic plate movement would slow or stop

• Volcanic activity would rapidly increase

• Earth's rotation would speed up

Which of the following best supports the idea that new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges?

• Fossils found in trenches

• Oceanic crust is thicker than continental crust

• Age of the seafloor increases with distance from the ridge

• Water temperature rises far from the ridge

If GPS measurements show that two plates are moving apart, what kind of boundary do they likely form?

• Convergent

• Transform

• Divergent

• Passive

How does the presence of island chains like Hawaii provide evidence for plate motion?

• Volcanic islands grow only during earthquakes

• The islands are formed by hotspots, and their alignment reflects plate movement

• Hawaii was formed by continental collision

• Island chains indicate subduction zones