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Plate tectonics

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Practice questions

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1.The lithosphere is the rigid outer shell of Earth, comprising the crust and the uppermost mantle.
Easy
True or false?
2.What is the name of the scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates?
Easy
- AContinental drift
- BPlate tectonics
- CSeafloor spreading
- DConvection currents
3.Which type of plate boundary is associated with seafloor spreading and the formation of new oceanic crust?
Easy
- AConvergent boundary
- BDivergent boundary
- CTransform boundary
- DSubduction zone
4.Continental crust is denser than oceanic crust.
Easy
True or false?
5.At a convergent plate boundary, what process carries the edge of one plate down into the mantle?
Medium
- ASeafloor spreading
- BSubduction
- CConvection
- DAccretion
6.Match each plate boundary type with its characteristic geological feature.
Hard
- Convergent
- Divergent
- Transform
- Mountain building / trench
- Seafloor spreading / rift
- Earthquakes / fault lines
7.Place the following steps in the process of seafloor spreading in the correct order from first to last.
Medium
- New oceanic crust forms at the ridge
- Plates move apart at a divergent boundary
- Crust cools and becomes denser as it moves away
- Magma rises from the mantle to the seafloor
8.Which of the following are evidence for plate tectonics? (Select all that apply)
Hard
- AThe fit of continental coastlines
- BThe presence of fossils of the same species on different continents
- CThe existence of mountain ranges on the Moon
- DThe distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries

More questions

9.Match each type of plate boundary with its characteristic motion.
Medium
- Divergent
- Convergent
- Transform
- Plates move apart
- Plates move towards each other
- Plates slide past each other
10.Place the following stages in the formation of new oceanic crust at a mid-ocean ridge in the correct order from first to last.
Hard
- Magma rises from the asthenosphere
- Magma cools and solidifies to form new crust
- Plates move apart at a divergent boundary
- Newly formed crust moves away from the ridge and cools further
11.Which of the following are pieces of evidence that support the theory of plate tectonics? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AThe fit of the continents like puzzle pieces
- BThe presence of identical fossils on different continents
- CThe existence of mountain ranges on the Moon
- DThe pattern of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor
- EThe distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries
12.Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.
Easy
True or false?
13.At a convergent plate boundary where an oceanic plate meets a continental plate, what typically happens to the oceanic plate?
Medium
- AIt rises to form mountains
- BIt is subducted under the continental plate
- CIt slides sideways past the continental plate
- DIt spreads apart to form new crust
14.The Nazca Plate moves at approximately 160 mm per year. How far will it move in 1 million years?
Hard
- A160 km
- B160 m
- C1.6 km
- D16 km
15.Match each term with its correct description.
Hard
- Lithosphere
- Asthenosphere
- Subduction zone
- Rigid outer layer of Earth
- Hot, flowing layer below lithosphere
- Where one plate sinks into the mantle
16.At a convergent plate boundary where two continental plates collide, which geological feature is most likely to form?
Medium
- AMid-ocean ridge
- BMountain range
- COceanic trench
- DRift valley
17.The graph shows the relationship between the age of oceanic crust and its distance from a mid-ocean ridge. Which statement best describes the trend?
Hard
- ACrust age increases linearly with distance from the ridge.
- BCrust age decreases as distance from the ridge increases.
- CCrust age is constant regardless of distance from the ridge.
- DCrust age first increases then decreases with distance.
18.A student measures the distance between two points on either side of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. After 5 years, the distance has increased by 125 mm. What is the average rate of plate movement per year?
Hard
- A25 mm/yr
- B12.5 mm/yr
- C50 mm/yr
- D125 mm/yr
19.In a laboratory demonstration, a student uses a heat lamp to heat a tray of water with floating paper 'plates'. The paper plates move apart above the heat source. This model best represents which type of plate boundary?
Medium
- ADivergent boundary
- BConvergent boundary
- CTransform boundary
- DSubduction zone
20.In an experiment simulating seafloor spreading, a student uses a heated beaker of syrup with a layer of floating cork pieces. When the syrup is heated from below, the cork pieces move apart. This model demonstrates that convection currents in the mantle can drive plate motion.
Medium
True or false?
21.A student uses a plastic tray filled with sand to model the formation of mountains. She pushes two blocks of wood together from opposite ends, causing the sand to buckle upward. This model best represents which type of plate boundary?
Medium
- AConvergent boundary between two continental plates
- BConvergent boundary between an oceanic and a continental plate
- CDivergent boundary between two oceanic plates
- DTransform boundary between two continental plates
22.Match each type of plate boundary with the geological feature most commonly associated with it.
Medium
- Divergent
- Convergent (oceanic-oceanic)
- Transform
- Mid-ocean ridge
- Volcanic island arc
- Earthquake fault line
23.In an experiment to model subduction, a student places a piece of thick cardboard (continental crust) and a thin, flexible plastic sheet (oceanic crust) on a layer of damp sand (asthenosphere). When he pushes the plastic sheet toward the cardboard, the plastic sheet slides under the cardboard. This model best represents what type of plate boundary?
Easy
- AConvergent boundary between an oceanic plate and a continental plate
- BDivergent boundary between two oceanic plates
- CConvergent boundary between two continental plates
- DTransform boundary between an oceanic and a continental plate
24.What is the name of the scientific theory that describes the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates?
Easy
- APlate tectonics
- BContinental drift
- CSeafloor spreading
- DUniformitarianism
25.At which type of plate boundary does subduction occur?
Medium
- ADivergent
- BConvergent
- CTransform
- DAll of the above
26.The asthenosphere is cooler and more rigid than the lithosphere.
Easy
True or false?
27.What is the typical range of plate motion at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?
Medium
- A10 to 40 mm per year
- B50 to 100 mm per year
- C100 to 160 mm per year
- D1 to 5 mm per year
28.Continental lithosphere is typically thicker than oceanic lithosphere.
Medium
True or false?
29.Which of the following is NOT evidence for plate tectonics?
Medium
- AMatching fossils on different continents
- BSeafloor spreading
- CThe existence of the asthenosphere
- DDistribution of earthquakes and volcanoes
30.Transform plate boundaries are associated with volcanic activity.
Easy
True or false?
31.Place the following events in the process of seafloor spreading in the correct order from first to last.
Medium
- Magma rises at mid-ocean ridge
- New oceanic crust forms
- Plate moves away from ridge
- Crust cools and becomes denser
32.Match each geological feature with the type of plate boundary most commonly associated with it.
Medium
- Mid-ocean ridge
- Deep ocean trench
- San Andreas Fault
- Convergent
- Divergent
- Transform
33.Which of the following are characteristics of the asthenosphere? (Select all that apply)
Hard
- AIt is cooler than the lithosphere
- BIt flows more easily than the lithosphere
- CIt transfers heat by convection
- DIt is part of the crust
34.Place the following steps in the formation of a mountain range at a convergent plate boundary in the correct order.
Medium
- Two continental plates collide
- Crust is compressed and folds
- Rocks are uplifted
- Mountain range forms
35.At a mid-ocean ridge, newly formed oceanic crust is hot and less dense. As it moves away from the ridge, it cools, becomes denser, and thickens. This process primarily contributes to which of the following?
Medium
- AThe formation of continental crust
- BThe driving force for plate motion at subduction zones
- CThe decrease in seafloor spreading rate
- DThe increase in lithospheric thickness at transform boundaries
36.The graph below shows the age of oceanic crust versus distance from a mid-ocean ridge. Which statement best explains the shape of the graph?
Hard
- AThe crust is created at a constant rate, so age increases linearly with distance.
- BThe crust cools and becomes denser over time, slowing its movement, so age increases faster than distance.
- CThe spreading rate has been constant, but older crust is subducted, so the graph only shows younger crust.
- DThe graph is a straight line because the Earth's magnetic field reverses at regular intervals.
37.Continental lithosphere is typically about twice as thick as oceanic lithosphere.
Easy
True or false?
38.Which of the following are driving forces for plate motion? (Select all that apply)
Medium
- AConvection currents in the mantle
- BTidal drag of the Moon
- CSubduction of cold, dense oceanic crust
- DSeafloor spreading at mid-ocean ridges
- EEarth's rotation
39.Match each plate boundary type with its characteristic feature.
Medium
- Divergent
- Convergent (oceanic-continental)
- Transform
- Seafloor spreading
- Volcanic arc and trench
- Earthquakes, no volcanism
40.In an experiment to model seafloor spreading, a student uses a tray of water with floating paper 'plates' and heats the water from below. The paper plates move apart above the heat source. What does the movement of the paper plates represent?
Medium
- ASubduction of oceanic crust
- BFormation of new oceanic crust at a mid-ocean ridge
- CCollision of two continental plates
- DTransform fault motion
41.Complete the sentence with the correct term.
Medium
The layer beneath the lithosphere that is hotter and flows more easily is called the ____.
42.According to the source, what is the typical range of plate motion at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in millimetres per year? Give the lower end of the range.
Medium
43.Name the two types of crust that make up tectonic plates, and state which one is denser.
Hard
44.At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, plate motion ranges from 10 to 40 mm per year. What is the average speed in mm per year?
Medium
45.Complete the sentence.
Easy
The rigid outer shell of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle, is called the ____.
46.Name the three main types of plate boundaries.
Medium
The three main types of plate boundaries are ____, ____, and ____.
47.What process carries the edge of a plate down into the mantle at a convergent boundary?
Medium
48.At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, plate motion ranges from 10 to 40 mm per year. If a plate moves at an average speed of 25 mm per year, how many kilometres will it move in 1 million years?
Medium
49.Complete the sentence using the correct terms from the list: lithosphere, asthenosphere, crust, mantle.
Easy
The rigid outer layer of Earth that includes the crust and upper mantle is called the ____. Beneath it lies the ____, which is hotter and flows more easily.
50.Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Medium
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it contains less ____ and more of the heavier elements.
51.Fill in the blanks with the correct terms.
Hard
The thickness of oceanic lithosphere increases with ____ from the mid-ocean ridge. At subduction zones, its thickness can exceed ____ km.
52.What is the name of the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at divergent plate boundaries?
Easy
53.Explain why oceanic crust is generally found below sea level while continental crust stands above sea level.
Hard
54.Describe how the thickness of oceanic lithosphere changes as it moves away from a mid-ocean ridge, and explain why this change occurs.
Hard
55.What is subduction and what role does it play in the movement of tectonic plates?
Medium
56.Explain the difference between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere in terms of mechanical properties and heat transfer.
Hard
57.Describe two pieces of evidence that support the theory of plate tectonics.
Medium
58.According to the source, what is the typical range of plate motion at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge in millimetres per year? Give the lower end of the range.
Medium
- A10 mm/year
- B11 mm/year
- C9 mm/year
- D12 mm/year
59.At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, plate motion ranges from 10 to 40 mm per year. What is the average speed in mm per year?
Medium
- A28 mm/year
- B22 mm/year
- C25 mm/year
- D31 mm/year
60.At the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, plate motion ranges from 10 to 40 mm per year. If a plate moves at an average speed of 25 mm per year, how many kilometres will it move in 1 million years?
Medium
- A28 km
- B31 km
- C25 km
- D22 km

Flashcards

What is plate tectonics?

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that have been slowly moving for billions of years.

What does the lithosphere consist of?

The lithosphere consists of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, forming a rigid outer shell.

How does the lithosphere differ from the asthenosphere?

The lithosphere is cooler and rigid, while the asthenosphere is hotter and flows more easily (ductile).

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

What happens at a divergent plate boundary?

Plates move apart, and new oceanic crust is formed by seafloor spreading, e.g., at mid-ocean ridges.

What happens at a convergent plate boundary?

Plates move toward each other; one plate may subduct under the other, forming trenches, mountain ranges, and volcanoes.

What is subduction?

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate sinks under another into the mantle at a convergent boundary.

What happens at a transform plate boundary?

Plates slide horizontally past each other, causing earthquakes but typically not volcanoes.

What drives plate motion?

Convection currents in the mantle, with slab pull at subduction zones being the strongest driver.

How fast do tectonic plates move?

Plates move at rates from about 10 mm/year (slow) to 160 mm/year (fast).

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Oceanic crust is denser, thinner, and made of basalt (sima); continental crust is less dense, thicker, and made of granite (sial).

Why does oceanic crust subduct under continental crust?

Because oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.

What evidence supported the theory of plate tectonics?

Seafloor spreading validated in the 1960s, along with continental drift and matching geological features.

What is seafloor spreading?

The process at mid-ocean ridges where new oceanic crust is formed as plates diverge and magma rises.

How does the thickness of oceanic lithosphere change with age?

It thickens as it cools and moves away from the mid-ocean ridge, from about 6 km at ridges to over 100 km at subduction zones.

What is the typical thickness of continental lithosphere?

About 200 km, though it varies.

Name a major tectonic plate.

Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, African Plate, Antarctic Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, South American Plate.

What geological features are associated with convergent boundaries?

Volcanoes, mountain ranges, oceanic trenches, and earthquakes.

What geological features are associated with divergent boundaries?

Mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and new oceanic crust.

What geological features are associated with transform boundaries?

Faults and earthquakes.

Do other planets have plate tectonics?

Earth is the only planet known to have active plate tectonics, but evidence suggests past activity on Mars and Venus, and ice plate tectonics on Europa.

What is the 'conveyor belt' analogy in plate tectonics?

New crust forms at divergent boundaries, moves outward, and is recycled at subduction zones, keeping Earth's surface area constant.

What is the asthenosphere?

The ductile layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere, which flows slowly and allows plates to move.

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