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Earth Layers and Plate Tectonics

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 42mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
Subduction zones occur on Earth where dense oceanic crust dives under more buoyant continental crust. These boundaries are characterized by a deep ocean trench next to a high continental mountain range, large numbers of earthquakes and volcanoes. All of this is further evidence for the
a)
big bang theory.
b)
theory of plate tectonics.
c)
origin of the species.
d)
theory of natural selection.
2.

In some areas of the world, like California and Japan, earthquakes are a common occurrence. How can this best be explained?

a)

The strong ocean currents are undermining both areas causing earthquakes.

b)

Both areas are located near the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the unstable sand causes earthquakes.

c)

Both areas are subjected to strong ocean wind and waves that causes earthquakes.

d)

Both areas are on the boundary of active plates, the motion of the plates causes earthquakes.

3.
There are three types of plate boundaries. Which choice is NOT a type of plate boundary?
a)
convergent
b)
thrust
c)
divergent
d)
transform
4.

Observe this diagram of a plate boundary. One statement BEST describes what is happening. It is that

a)

the oceanic crust is melting.

b)

the denser ceanic crust is subducting under the less dense oceanic crust

c)

volcanic islands are forming.

d)

the tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

5.

The map in the picture shows tectonic plate boundaries. This map would be useful in predicting the location of future

a)

droughts

b)

hurricanes

c)

earthquakes

d)

tornadoes

6.

Where would sea floor spreading most likely occur?

a)

At convergent boundaries (oceanic vs. oceanic)

b)

At convergent boundaries (oceanic vs. continental)

c)

At divergent plate boundaries (oceanic vs. oceanic)

d)

At transform plate boundaries

7.
What is the difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere that makes up the mantle?
a)
The lithosphere is ismade of dense solid meal whle the asthenosphere is made of liquid molten metal
b)
The lithosphere is a mixture of gasses while the asthenosphere is made of solid rock
c)
The lithosphere is molten rock that moves while the asthenosphere is ridid and thin
d)
The lithosphere is made of solid rock while the asthenosphere is more flexible hot rock that moves.
8.

What is the correct order (starting from the surface) of Earth’s layers?

a)

crust, outer core, inner core, mantle

b)

mantle, outer core, inner core, crust

c)

crust, mantle, outer core, inner core

d)

outer core, inner core, crust, mantle

9.
What are the two types of crust?
a)
continental and oceanic
b)
ocean and basin
c)
lower and upper
d)
thick and thin
10.

Convection Currents occur in the

a)

Inner Core

b)

Mantle

c)

Crust

d)

Outer Core

11.
What happens to temperature as we move from the crust to the inner core?
a)
Decreases
b)
Increases
c)
Nothing
12.

Plates slide past each other at _________________ boundaries.

a)

divergent

b)

convergent

c)

transform

d)

universal

13.
The area around the Pacific Ocean where lots of earthquakes and volcanoes happen is called the ____________.
a)
Ring of Earth
b)
Ring of Fire
c)
Ring of Stone
d)
Ring of Diamond
14.

The fact that similar fossils are found on both sides of the ocean is evidence of

a)

magnetic reversal

b)

sonar

c)

continental drift

d)

plate boundaries

15.

Observe this diagram of a plate boundary. One statement BEST describes what is happening. It is that

a)

the tectonic plates are moving towards each other

b)

the continental crust is melting

c)

the more dense oceanic crust is subducting

d)

an ocean ridge is forming

16.

The outer core is

a)

Layer of liquid metal.

b)

Outermost layer of the Earth.

c)

Made up of the lithosphere and asthenosphere.

d)

Innermost layer of solid metal.

17.

The inner core is

a)

Layer of liquid metal.

b)

Outermost layer of the Earth.

c)

Made up of the lithosphere and asthenosphere.

d)

Innermost layer of solid metal.

18.

Which crust subducts because it is denser than other crust?

a)

pizza crust

b)

oceanic crust

c)

continental crust

d)

new crust

19.

How are tsunamis generated?

a)

generated from earthquakes

b)

generated from tornadoes

c)

generated from hurricanes

d)

generated by volcanoes

20.
Who is the person credited with developing the theory of continental drift?
a)
Harry Hess
b)

Galileo Galilei

c)
Alfred Wegener
d)

Sir issac

Newton