Exploring Plate Tectonics Regular

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

• The theory of plate tectonics is about ocean currents.

• The theory of plate tectonics explains the formation of stars.

• The theory of plate tectonics focuses on the Earth's atmosphere.

• The theory of plate tectonics describes the movement and interaction of Earth's lithospheric plates.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that the theory of plate tectonics describes the movement and interaction of Earth's lithospheric plates, which is fundamental to understanding geological processes like earthquakes and mountain formation.

Who proposed the idea of continental drift?

• Alfred Wegener

• Isaac Newton

• Charles Darwin

• Marie Curie

Answer explanation

The idea of continental drift was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century. He suggested that continents were once joined and have since drifted apart, a concept that laid the groundwork for modern plate tectonics.

What are tectonic plates?

• Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

• Tectonic plates are clouds that form in the atmosphere.

• Tectonic plates are layers of water in the ocean.

• Tectonic plates are small rocks found on the Earth's surface.

Answer explanation

Tectonic plates are indeed large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity. The other options are incorrect.

What is the boundary where two tectonic plates meet called?

• Continental divide

• Tectonic plate boundary

• Plate collision zone

• Tectonic plate edge

Answer explanation

The boundary where two tectonic plates meet is called a tectonic plate boundary. This term specifically describes the interaction zones between plates, unlike the other options which refer to different concepts.

What is the process of one plate sliding under another called?

• Divergence

• Subduction

• Convergence

• Transform fault

Answer explanation

The process of one tectonic plate sliding under another is called subduction. This occurs at convergent boundaries where an oceanic plate is forced beneath a continental plate, leading to geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

• Deserts and plains

• Rift valleys and fjords

• Mountain ranges, ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs

• Plateaus and valleys

Answer explanation

At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountain ranges, ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs due to subduction and uplift processes. This makes the correct choice the third option.

How do earthquakes relate to plate tectonics?

• Earthquakes are caused by volcanic eruptions.

• Earthquakes occur randomly and have no relation to tectonic plates.

• Earthquakes are solely the result of human activities.

• Earthquakes are caused by the movement and interaction of tectonic plates.

Answer explanation

Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. As these plates shift, they can create stress that is released as seismic waves, resulting in earthquakes.

What is a transform boundary?

• A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

• A transform boundary is a stationary plate boundary.

• A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates collide.

• A transform boundary is where tectonic plates move away from each other.

Answer explanation

A transform boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes along faults, distinguishing it from other types of boundaries where plates collide or move apart.

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

• The shape of ocean currents

• The presence of volcanoes on land

• The fit of continents, fossil , geological similarities, and climatic evidence.

• The distribution of earthquakes

Answer explanation

The theory of continental drift is supported by the fit of continents, similar fossils across continents, geological formations, and climatic evidence, indicating that continents were once connected and have since drifted apart.

How do fossils support the idea of continental drift?

• Fossils of similar species on different continents indicate that continents were once connected.

• Fossils show that continents have always been in their current positions.

• Fossils are only found in one continent.

• Fossils prove that species cannot migrate.

Answer explanation

Fossils of similar species found on different continents support the idea of continental drift by suggesting that these continents were once connected, allowing species to inhabit those areas before drifting apart.