Plate Tectonics from the National Geographic

What does the theory of plate tectonics explain?

• The movement of geologic plates causes mountain building, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

• The formation of the solar system.

• The process of photosynthesis in plants.

• The evolution of mammals.

Who proposed the concept of continental drift?

• Alfred Wegener

• Harry Hess

• John Tuzo Wilson

• Isaac Newton

What geological formation is an example of tectonic plate interaction?

• The Himalaya mountain range

• The Grand Canyon

• The Amazon Rainforest

• The Sahara Desert

What did Harry Hess propose about the ocean floor?

• It spreads away from undersea ridges in a conveyer-belt motion.

• It is stationary and unchanging.

• It is shrinking due to erosion.

• It is the oldest part of Earth's crust.

How are volcanic island chains like the Hawaiian Islands formed according to John Tuzo Wilson?

• By fixed 'hot spots' in the mantle.

• By subduction zones.

• By asteroid impacts.

• By continental drift.