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Ocean Floor and Plate Tectonics

Total questions: 10

Worksheet time: 20mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is a mid-ocean ridge and how is it formed?

a)

A mid-ocean ridge is formed by the accumulation of sediment on the ocean floor

b)

A mid-ocean ridge is formed by the upwelling of magma from the mantle at the divergent boundaries between tectonic plates.

c)

A mid-ocean ridge is formed by the collision of two tectonic plates

d)

A mid-ocean ridge is formed by the erosion of the oceanic crust

2.

Explain the significance of trenches in plate tectonics.

a)

Trenches are significant in plate tectonics because they are caused by earthquakes

b)

Trenches are significant in plate tectonics because they are the primary locations where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another in a process called subduction.

c)

Trenches are significant in plate tectonics because they are formed by volcanic activity

d)

Trenches are significant in plate tectonics because they are the result of erosion

3.

What are seamounts and how do they form on the ocean floor?

a)

Seamounts are created by tectonic plate movement

b)

Seamounts are the result of coral reef growth

c)

Seamounts are formed by erosion of the ocean floor

d)

Seamounts are underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity on the ocean floor.

4.

Describe the process of subduction in subduction zones.

a)

Subduction is the process of tectonic plates colliding and forming a new mountain range

b)

Subduction occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other at a transform boundary

c)

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another at a convergent boundary, creating a subduction zone.

d)

Subduction is the process of tectonic plates moving away from each other at a divergent boundary

5.

What is the continental shelf and how is it related to plate tectonics?

a)

The continental shelf is the submerged portion of a continent formed by the movement of tectonic plates.

b)

The continental shelf is a type of dessert formed by erosion

c)

The continental shelf is a man-made structure used for offshore drilling

d)

The continental shelf is a type of cloud formation related to weather patterns

6.

What are the different types of plate boundaries and how do they contribute to ocean floor features?

a)

The different types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform. They contribute to ocean floor features by creating mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, ocean trenches, volcanic arcs, island arcs, fracture zones, and offset segments of mid-ocean ridges.

b)

The different types of plate boundaries are static, dynamic, and neutral. They contribute to ocean floor features by creating still waters, moving currents, and balanced ecosystems.

c)

The different types of plate boundaries are parallel, perpendicular, and diagonal. They contribute to ocean floor features by creating square-shaped trenches, circular ridges, and zigzag valleys.

d)

The different types of plate boundaries are continental, oceanic, and lunar. They contribute to ocean floor features by creating mountains, deserts, and canyons.

7.

How do mid-ocean ridges contribute to the movement of tectonic plates?

a)

Mid-ocean ridges contribute to the movement of tectonic plates by creating new oceanic crust and pushing the existing crust apart.

b)

Mid-ocean ridges contribute to the movement of tectonic plates by causing earthquakes

c)

Mid-ocean ridges contribute to the movement of tectonic plates by attracting volcanic activity

d)

Mid-ocean ridges contribute to the movement of tectonic plates by pulling the existing crust together

8.

Discuss the role of trenches in the process of plate tectonics.

a)

Trenches play a crucial role in the process of plate tectonics by marking the locations where one tectonic plate is being forced beneath another, leading to subduction and the recycling of Earth's crust.

b)

Trenches are responsible for creating new oceanic crust

c)

Trenches have no role in the process of plate tectonics

d)

Trenches are formed by the collision of two tectonic plates

9.

Explain the formation of seamounts and their significance in ocean floor features.

a)

Seamounts are formed by volcanic activity and are significant in providing habitats for marine life and affecting ocean currents and nutrient distribution.

b)

Seamounts are formed by erosion and are significant in creating underwater caves and tunnels.

c)

Seamounts are formed by sediment deposition and are significant in affecting ocean salinity.

d)

Seamounts are formed by tectonic plate movement and are significant in causing tsunamis.

10.

Describe the impact of subduction zones on the ocean floor and plate tectonics.

a)

Subduction zones cause the ocean floor to rise

b)

Subduction zones have no impact on the ocean floor

c)

Subduction zones only impact the movement of tectonic plates

d)

Subduction zones impact the ocean floor by causing it to be recycled back into the mantle, and they also play a key role in the movement and interaction of tectonic plates.