Dynamic Earth: Plate Tectonics Quiz

Why is it important to understand rock types before studying tectonic processes?

• To identify the age of the Earth

• To understand the composition and changes of rocks

• To predict weather patterns

• To locate mineral deposits

What was Alfred Wegener's contribution to the field of plate tectonics?

• He discovered the mechanism of plate movement

• He proposed the theory of continental drift

• He identified the Earth's magnetic field

• He mapped the ocean floor

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

• The fit of South America and Africa

• The presence of similar fossils in different continents

• The discovery of mid-ocean ridges

• The alignment of mountain ranges

How did the Himalayas form according to tectonic theory?

• By the erosion of ancient mountains

• By the collision of the Indian and Asian plates

• By volcanic eruptions

• By the accumulation of sediment

What is a transform fault?

• A place where two plates collide

• A place where new crust is formed

• A place where two plates slide past each other

• A place where a plate is subducted

What occurs at a subduction zone?

• New crust is formed

• Two continental plates collide

• Two plates slide past each other

• An oceanic plate dives beneath a continental plate

What is happening at the East African Rift?

• A volcanic island is emerging

• A tectonic plate is subducting

• A mountain range is eroding

• A new ocean is forming

What causes hotspots like those forming the Hawaiian Islands?

• Subduction of oceanic plates

• Mantle plumes beneath the Earth's crust

• Tectonic plate collisions

• Transform fault activity

Where is the next Hawaiian island expected to form?

• North of the Big Island

• East of the Big Island

• South of the Big Island

• West of the Big Island

What is the significance of hotspots in understanding tectonic activity?

• They are the primary cause of earthquakes

• They are responsible for the formation of mountain ranges

• They show the movement of tectonic plates over stationary mantle plumes

• They indicate the boundaries of tectonic plates