Plate Tectonic Theory

Question 1

What is the fundamental concept of plate tectonic theory?

Answer 1

The Earth’s lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move over the asthenosphere.

Question 2

True or False: The tectonic plates are rigid and do not change shape.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

Name the three types of plate boundaries.

Answer 3

Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

Question 4

Fill in the blank: The movement of tectonic plates is driven by _____ currents in the mantle.

Answer 4

convection

Question 5

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Answer 5

Mid-ocean ridges.

Question 6

Which type of boundary is associated with subduction zones?

Answer 6

Convergent boundaries.

Question 7

True or False: Earthquakes can occur at transform boundaries.

Answer 7

True

Question 8

What is the primary force that causes tectonic plates to move?

Answer 8

Mantle convection.

Question 9

What is the name of the supercontinent that existed approximately 300 million years ago?

Answer 9

Pangaea.

Question 10

Which layer of the Earth is broken into tectonic plates?

Answer 10

The lithosphere.

Question 11

What type of plate boundary occurs when two plates slide past each other?

Answer 11

Transform boundary.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: The _____ is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere.

Answer 12

asthenosphere

Question 13

What type of plate boundary is typically associated with volcanic activity?

Answer 13

Convergent boundaries.

Question 14

True or False: The distance between tectonic plates is constant over time.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What is the process called when one tectonic plate is forced under another?

Answer 15

Subduction.

Question 16

Name a geological feature formed by the collision of two continental plates.

Answer 16

Mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas.

Question 17

What is the main evidence supporting plate tectonic theory?

Answer 17

Fossil distribution, geological formations, and ocean floor mapping.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The _____ theory explains the movement of continents over geological time.

Answer 18

plate tectonic

Question 19

What is the term for the area where an oceanic plate is subducted beneath a continental plate?

Answer 19

Trench.

Question 20

True or False: Plate tectonics is a relatively new theory, developed in the 20th century.

Answer 20

True

Question 21

What is the name of the theory that predates plate tectonics and proposed that continents drift?

Answer 21

Continental drift theory.

Question 22

Which scientist is most commonly associated with the development of the plate tectonic theory?

Answer 22

Alfred Wegener.

Question 23

What type of plate boundary can create oceanic trenches?

Answer 23

Convergent boundaries.

Question 24

Fill in the blank: The _____ of the Earth is responsible for generating heat that drives plate tectonics.

Answer 24

core

Question 25

What is the primary method used to map the ocean floor and study plate tectonics?

Answer 25

Sonar mapping.

Question 26

True or False: Most earthquakes occur away from tectonic plate boundaries.

Answer 26

False

Question 27

What geological feature is created at divergent boundaries on land?

Answer 27

Rift valleys.