Theory of Plate Tectonics
The Earth's lithosphere is not a continuous shell but is broken into several pieces. What are these large moving pieces called?
A. Continents
B. Tectonic plates
C. Rock layers
D. Seafloor
B. Tectonic plates
Evidence from fossils, rock formations, and the shape of continents support the idea of moving plates. Which scientist first proposed the idea that continents move over time?
A. Charles Darwin
B. Alfred Wegener
C. Isaac Newton
D. Galileo Galilei
B. Alfred Wegener
Wegener’s Continental Drift Theory was initially rejected by many scientists. What was the main reason for this rejection?
A. He had no evidence of fossils
B. He had no explanation for the force that moved the continents
C. He did not publish his findings
D. He focused only on volcanic activity
B. He had no explanation for the force that moved the continents
The Indian Plate is colliding with the Eurasian Plate, forming the Himalayas, the tallest mountain range on Earth. What type of plate boundary is involved in this process?
A. Transform boundary
B. Divergent boundary
C. Convergent boundary
D. Subducting boundary
C. Convergent boundary
Which of the following interactions results to the formation of mountains?
A. oceanic - oceanic convergence
B. oceanic - oceanic divergence
C. continental - continental divergence
D. continental - continental convergence
D. continental - continental convergence
According to the theory of plate tectonics, the plates move slowly over the asthenosphere. Which of the following best explains what causes the movement of tectonic plates?
A. Convection currents in the crust
B. Pressure in the mantle
C. Convection currents in the mantle
D. Pressure in the inner and outer core
C. Convection currents in the mantle
The idea that the continents are slowly drifting apart helped explain why similar fossils are found on distant continents. What is the name of the ancient supercontinent described in the theory?
A. Eurasia
B. Gondwana
C. Laurasia
D. Pangaea
D. Pangaea
Coal deposits, which form in warm swampy regions, have been found in Antarctica. Which conclusion can be drawn from this discovery?
A. Antarctica was once near the equator
B. Antarctica had more volcanoes in the past
C. Coal can form in any climate
D. Fossil fuels formed after continental drift
A. Antarctica was once near the equator
In the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, two tectonic plates are moving away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. What type of plate boundary is illustrated in this situation?
A. Convergent boundary
B. Transform boundary
C. Divergent boundary
D. Oblique-slip boundary
C. Divergent boundary
You are standing near a plate boundary where two oceanic plates are moving away from each other. Which of the following is most likely happening in this area?
A. A mountain range is forming.
B. A trench is developing.
C. New crust is being created.
D. Earthquakes are impossible.
C. New crust is being created.
Scientists have long studied how features on Earth's surface change over time. The development of modern theories has helped explain the causes of many geological phenomena. Which of the following statements is true about the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
A. Tectonic plates are stationary and never change position.
B. The Earth’s crust is completely solid with no divisions.
C. Tectonic plates move and interact, causing geological events such as earthquakes and mountain formation.
D. Plate movement only happens in the ocean and not on land.
C. Tectonic plates move and interact, causing geological events such as earthquakes and mountain formation.
The Continental Drift Theory proposes that Earth's continents were once part of a single massive landmass that gradually separated and drifted to their present positions over millions of years. Which of the following best describes the main idea of the Continental Drift Theory?
A. Continents were formed by volcanic eruptions and stayed fixed in place
B. Earth's plates move due to magnetic forces from the poles
C. Continents float on molten lava and rotate in circular motion
D. Continents were once connected and slowly moved apart over time
D. Continents were once connected and slowly moved apart over time
Scientists have discovered similar rock layers and mountain ranges in eastern North America and northwestern Europe. Which type of evidence for continental drift does this describe?
A. Paleoclimatic evidence
B. Fossil correlation
C. Geological evidence
D. Magnetic striping
C. Geological evidence
Plate boundaries are classified based on the direction of plate movement. These interactions are responsible for shaping Earth’s surface features, such as mountains, volcanoes, trenches, and faults.
Which of the following statements best describes how plate boundaries influence Earth's surface?
A. All types of plate boundaries cause volcanic eruptions and mountain formation
B. Only convergent boundaries cause earthquakes and landform changes
C. Different types of plate boundaries result in different geological features and processes
D. Plate boundaries have no significant effect on the formation of Earth’s landforms
C. Different types of plate boundaries result in different geological features and processes
At an oceanic-continental convergent boundary, the oceanic plate sinks beneath the continental plate. What geological feature is commonly formed in this type of boundary?
A. Mid-ocean ridge
B. Ocean trench and volcanoes
C. Fault lines
D. Rift valleys
B. Ocean trench and volcanoes
This scientific theory explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into plates that float and move over the asthenosphere, causing earthquakes, mountain formation, and volcanic activity.What is the name of the theory that describes the movement and interaction of the Earth's plates?
Theory of Plate Tectonics
During the time when the supercontinent Pangaea existed, a vast ocean surrounded it, covering most of the Earth's surface. This ancient ocean played a major role in shaping early Earth's climate and marine life. What is the name of the enormous ancient ocean that surrounded Pangaea?
Panthalassa
Fossils of this extinct seed fern were discovered in South America, Africa, India, Antarctica, and Australia—providing strong evidence that these continents were once connected.What is the name of this fossil plant used as evidence for the theory of continental drift?
Glossopteris
This plate boundary is responsible for many earthquakes, like those caused by the movement along the San Andreas Fault in California. What is the name of this type of boundary?
Transform boundary
When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser plate sinks beneath the other, forming a trench and possibly volcanoes. What is the process called in which one plate moves under another?
subduction
This geologic process occurs at divergent boundaries, particularly along mid-ocean ridges, where magma rises from the mantle, cools, and solidifies to form new oceanic crust. What is this process called?
Seafloor spreading
When the supercontinent Pangaea broke apart, it separated into two large landmasses — one in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere. What are the names of these two landmasses?
Laurasia and Gondwana
In the early 20th century, Alfred Wegener presented his ideas about moving continents in a scientific publication. What was the title of Wegener’s book where he first introduced the Continental Drift Theory?
The Origin of Continents and Oceans
The Philippine archipelago lies in a tectonically active zone where the Philippine Sea Plate is colliding with and being forced beneath the Eurasian Plate, resulting in the formation of trenches, island arcs, and frequent geologic activity. What type of plate boundary is involved in the formation of the Philippine Islands?
Convergent Plate Boundary
In regions where a continental plate is pulled apart by tectonic forces, large faults form and the crust stretches and thins. Over time, this process creates a long, narrow depression with steep walls, such as the East African Rift. This area may eventually widen enough to form a new ocean basin. What do you call the geologic feature that forms when a continental plate diverges, resulting in a long valley bounded by faults?
Rift valley