Chapter 2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
A ________ is a well-tested and widely accepted view that best explains certain scientific observations.
A. theory
B. law
C. generalization
D. hypothesis
Examine the diagram below that shows a section of Earth’s outer layers. Which location contains the oldest rocks that were originally formed at an oceanic ridge?
D
B
C
A
D
The seafloor magnetic pattern is best described as:
Perpendicular to and symmetric about ocean ridges.
Perpendicular to, but not symmetric about ocean ridges.
Parallel to, but not symmetric about ocean ridges
Parallel to and symmetric about ocean ridges
Parallel to and symmetric about ocean ridges
Tectonic plates move about as fast as
Fingernails grow
An example of a divergent plate boundary is
The San Andreas Fault
the Hymalayas
the Mid-Atlantic ridge
the Andes
The Mid-Atlantic ridge
An example of a result of continent-continent collision is
the Cascades (northern California, Washington, Oregon)
the Aleutian Islands
the Alps
the Andes
the Rockies
The Alps
Wegener’s idea of the continental drift was rejected by American geologists because:
He has relatively little evidence supporting the existence of a supercontinent
His English was too poor to be understood by them
He could not conceive of a valid mechanism that would cause continents to shift positions
The apparent fit of continental coastlines is blurred when the margins are defined by the edges of continents to shift positions
The apparent fit of continental coastlines is blurred when the margins are defined by the edges of continental shelves rather that at sea level.
He could not conceive a valid mechanism that would cause continents to shift positions
The age of the oceanic crust _____ with increasing distance form a mid-ocean ridge:
Increases
Decreases
Increases
Marine magnetic anomalies result from sea-floor spreading in conjunction with:
Global warming
Magnetic polarity reversals
Ice ages
Magnetic storms on the surface of the sun
Magnetic polarity reversals
In the terminology of plate tectonics, an active continental margin is:
a continental coastline that coincides with plate boundary
anywhere on Earth where earthquakes are especially frequent
synonymous with “subduction an active volcano”
a 5-mile radius surrounding an active volcano
a continual coastline that coincides with a plate boundary
