Plate Tectonics
Name the scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's Crust over time.
Plate Tectonics
According to the Law of Superposition where are the oldest layers of rock located?
At the bottom of the sequence.
What geological feature formed the Hawaiian Islands, and how is it distinct from tectonic boundaries?
Hot spots
What fossil evidence supports the idea that continents were once connected?
Similar fossil species found on different continents.
Explain the areas where earthquakes and volcanoes most frequently align.
Plate boundaries
Where do earthquakes commonly occur in relation to tectonic plates?
Plate boundaries
Subduction zones lead to various geological features. Which feature is not a result of subduction zones?
Mid-ocean ridges
Fossils of ancient coral reefs have been found far from the equator. What does this suggest about the historical position of continents?
The continents were once closer to the equator
Describe the tectonic plate movement most likely to form a mountain.
Convergent plate movement
The matching coastlines of two continents provide significant evidence for a major geological theory. What are these continents?
South America and Africa
What geological formations result from magma rising through stationary mantle plumes?
Hot spots
Describe two pieces of evidence that support the theory of continental drift and plate tectonics.
Similar fossil species found on different continents and the fit of continental borders.
Identify the types of plate boundaries where mountain-building and ocean basin formation generally occur.
Convergent boundaries and divergent boundaries
Subduction zones create many geological features. Which one is not associated with subduction zones?
Mid-ocean ridges
What phenomena occur along the Pacific Ring of Fire due to converging tectonic plates?
Subduction zones and frequent earthquakes
The matching coastlines of South America and Africa support a significant scientific claim. What is that claim?
The continents were not always in their current positions
Continents provide evidence of their past locations through rocks and fossils. What does this pattern suggest about their historical arrangement?
The continents were once part of a single landmass called Pangaea.
How do the volcanic islands of Hawaii differ from the Himalayas in terms of their formation processes?
Hawaii forms over a stationary mantle plume, while the Himalayas form from the collision and subduction of tectonic plates
Fossils of coral reefs in unexpected locations provide insight into the movement of continents. What do they reveal?
The continents moved closer to the equator where coral reefs could thrive