2.2.6 Plate Tectonics Explained

When did the scientific community widely accept the theory that Earth's crust is broken into moving fragments called tectonic plates?

• Early 1800s

• Late 19th century

• 1960s

• Present day

What is the common simplified explanation for why tectonic plates move?

• They are pushed by volcanic eruptions.

• They are carried along on currents in the upper mantle.

• They slide due to gravitational pull from the moon.

• They are propelled by magnetic forces from Earth's core.

What observation suggests that tectonic plates are not merely passively riding on mantle currents like suitcases on a baggage claim belt?

• The varying sizes of tectonic plates.

• The presence of deep ocean trenches.

• Some plates move faster than the mantle currents beneath them.

• The consistent speed of all tectonic plates.

What process describes an oceanic plate bending and sliding under another plate, pulling the rest of the plate along with it?

• Ridge push

• Mantle convection

• Slab pull

• Continental drift

Are Earthquakes a fast or slow change?

• Slow

• Faster

Organize these options into the right categories

Groups:

(a) Faster

,

(b) Slow

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