Tectonic Plate Movements and Evidence

When did most geologists begin to accept the idea that Earth's continents drift around the globe?

• Before the 1800s

• In the 1960s

• In the early 1900s

• Only in the 21st century

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

• They are pushed by strong winds.

• They are carried along by convection currents in the upper mantle.

• They slide down inclined surfaces due to gravity.

• They are pulled by the Earth's magnetic field.

What evidence suggests that tectonic plates are not simply riding passively on the mantle currents like luggage on a conveyor belt?

• Some plates are made of different types of rock.

• Some plates move faster than the currents underneath them.

• The Earth's rotation causes plates to spin.

• Ocean currents push the plates from above.

What happens during subduction when an ocean plate collides with another plate?

• Both plates buckle upwards to form mountains.

• The thinner plate bends and slides underneath the other.

• The plates slide past each other horizontally.

• Both plates melt and disappear.