Review: Plate Tectonics

According to the most widely accepted hypothesis, what is the main force that causes tectonic plates to move?

• force of Earth's rotation

• magnetic fields of Earth's crust

• gravitational pull of Earth's core

• convection currents in Earth's lithosphere

How would Earth’s surface differ without plate tectonics?

• More mountains and volcanoes.

• No mountains, volcanoes, or earthquakes; landforms would erode flat.

• Increased subduction zones.

• The mantle would solidify.

What feature is found at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

• Mountains from plate collision

• Underwater mountain range from plates moving apart

• Island chain from hot spot

• Trench from subduction

Which best describes the composition and characteristics of the lithosphere?

• A molten layer of iron and nickel beneath the crust.

• The rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

• A hot, flowing layer of rock in the lower mantle.

• A mixture of liquid rock and gases in the asthenosphere.

What is the primary driver of tectonic plate movement?

• Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon.

• Convection currents in the mantle.

• Solar radiation heating the crust.

• Magnetic forces from the inner core.

Which is an example of a divergent boundary?

• Himalayas

• Mid-Atlantic Ridge

• Andes Mountains

• San Andreas Fault

What is the primary effect of a transform boundary?

• Volcanic eruptions.

• Frequent earthquakes as plates slide past each other.

• New oceanic crust formation.

• Mountain building.

Interactions between layers of Earth cause convection currents to move crustal plates. In which layer of Earth are the convection currents that directly result in tectonic plate motion found?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Which of the following best describes a scientific theory?

• An educated guess about how something works

• A well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena

• A rule that nature must follow

• An observation made during an experiment

Answer explanation

A well-substantiated explanation of natural phenomena

The Andes Mountains formed when:

• Two continental plates moved apart

• An oceanic plate was subducted under a continental plate

• Plates slid past each other

• A volcano erupted