The theory of ______________ states that Earth's rigid outer shell is divided into several major plates.
plate tectonics
100
The supercontinent in the continental drift hypothesis was called __________________.
Pangaea
100
According to the theory of plate tectonics, ______________.
a) the asthenosphere is divided into plates
b) the lithosphere is divided into plates
c) the asthenosphere moves over the lithosphere
d) the asthenosphere is very hard and rigid
b) the lithosphere is divided into plates.
100
What type of boundary is ocean crust being formed?
divergent boundary
100
The Himalayas in South Asia are an example of what type of convergent boundary?
convergent continental-continental boundary
200
A _____________ occurs when one lithospheric plate is forced beneath a second plate.
subduction zone
200
What scientist originally introduced the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener
200
A tectonic plate consists of the ________________.
a) crust and upper mantle
b) oceanic and continental crust only
c) crust and entire mantle
d) asthenosphere only
a) crust and upper mantle
200
What are the three types of plate boundaries found on earth?
divergent, convergent, and transform fault.
200
California's San Andreas fault is an example of what type of plate boundary?
transform fault boundary
300
A chain of small volcanic islands that forms when two oceanic plates converge, one descending beneath the other, is called a _____________________.
volcanic island arc
300
Why was the theory of continental drift rejected?
He could not provide a reason for the movement of the continents.
300
The earth's plates move on average just ______________ per year.
a) 5 inches
b) 50 inches
c) 5 centimeters
d) 50 centimeters
c) 5 centimeters
300
What forms when one oceanic plate is forced beneath another plate (convergent boundary)?
a) ocean ridge
b) ocean basin
c) subduction zone
d) rift valley
c) subduction zone
300
Volcanic islands are formed when an oceanic plate moves over a ________________.
hot spot
400
The primary forces within the Earth's core that cause plate motion are made possible by _____________.
convection
400
What are the four categories of evidence that support continental drift and plate tectonics?
Land mass puzzle, matching fossils, rock types, and ancient climates.
400
Describe the three types of plate boundaries movement.
move apart (separate), move together (collide), and grind past each either (sheer).
400
Deep ocean trenches are associated with _________.
a) ocean ridge systems
b) rift zones
c) subduction zones
d) transform fault boundaries
c) subduction zones
400
How are transform fault boundaries different from convergent and divergent boundaries?
crust is not created or destroyed
500
Describe sea floor spreading.
Magma is brought to the surface by the divergent boundaries, pushing the oceanic crust apart creating mid-ocean ridges.
500
How would finding the same plant fossil in South America and Africa support the continental drift hypothesis?
Since plants can not swim, it shows the land masses must have been joined when the species was alive.
500
How many major lithospheric plates are there on Earth?
there are seven major and 6 intermediate
500
Where is oceanic crust destroyed?
convergent plate boundaries
500
According to paleomagnetism rocks show the ________________.
earth's magnetic field at the time of their formation.