Exploring the Mechanics of Plate Tectonics

When did the theory of tectonic plates gain widespread acceptance among geologists?

• In the 1800s

• In the early 20th century

• In the 1990s

• In the 1960s

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

How does the concept of plate tectonics explain the formation of mountains?

• Through the accumulation of sediment

• Due to erosion by wind and water

• By the cooling and solidification of magma

• As a result of plate collisions

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What analogy is used to describe the movement of tectonic plates?

• Cars on a highway

• Leaves in the wind

• Suitcases on a baggage claim

• Boats in a river

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the primary reason tectonic plates move?

• Mantle currents

• Solar radiation

• Gravitational forces

• Magnetic fields

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Why can't the movement of tectonic plates be fully explained by mantle currents?

• Some plates move faster than the currents

• Plates move in random directions

• The mantle is solid

• Plates do not actually move

What happens when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate?

• The oceanic plate slides over the continental plate

• The continental plate bends and slides under the oceanic plate

• The oceanic plate bends and slides under the continental plate

• They merge together

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How does the subduction of oceanic plates affect their movement?

• It accelerates their movement

• It changes their composition

• It reverses their direction

• It stops their movement

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

What evidence can be found on Google Earth to indicate areas of subduction?

• Volcanic islands

• Large lakes

• Deep ocean trenches

• Mountain ranges

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What role do sunken slabs of ocean crust play in mantle convection?

• They absorb mantle currents

• They block and redirect flowing rock

• They create new mantle material

• They heat the mantle

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

What happens to the sunken slabs of ocean crust over time?

• They remain stationary

• They break off and sink towards the core

• They float back to the surface

• They dissolve into the mantle

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3