Review-Tectonic Plates and Geological Features

What is the primary characteristic of the lithosphere?

• It is the molten inner core of the Earth.

• It is the solid outer shell of the Earth.

• It is a partially melted, gooey layer beneath the plates.

• It is composed entirely of oceanic crust.

Compared to continental crust, what is a key characteristic of oceanic crust?

• It is thicker and less dense.

• It is thinner and more dense.

• It is made of granite and is less dense.

• It is made of basalt and is thicker.

What is the primary mechanism responsible for the movement of Earth's tectonic plates?

• The Earth's gravitational pull on the plates.

• The rotation of the Earth on its axis.

• Convection currents within the asthenosphere.

• Magnetic forces generated in the outer core.

Which type of plate boundary is characterized by plates sliding horizontally past each other, leading primarily to earthquakes but not typically volcanoes or major mountain ranges?

• Divergent boundary

• Convergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Subduction zone

What geological features are typically found at a subduction zone where oceanic crust converges with continental crust?

• A chain of volcanic mountains, a deep ocean trench, and frequent earthquakes.

• Mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and minor earthquakes.

• Island arcs, transform faults, and hot spots.

• Collision zones, folded mountains, and no volcanic activity.

When two oceanic plates converge, what geological features are formed?

• A chain of volcanic mountains on a continent.

• A mid-ocean ridge.

• Island-arc volcanic islands and an ocean trench.

• A rift valley.

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of a mid-ocean ridge?

• Older rock found at the ridge, with younger rock further away.

• New crust forming from rising magma, with younger rock at the ridge.

• Deep ocean trenches and intense volcanic activity.

• Continental crust being subducted under oceanic crust.

How do hot spots contribute to the formation of volcanic islands?

• They occur at plate boundaries where oceanic plates collide.

• They are areas where magma punches through a plate, forming a volcano, and as the plate moves, a chain of islands is created.

• They are formed by the subduction of continental crust under oceanic crust.

• They are characterized by the spreading apart of two continental plates.