Plate Tectonics 10 questions

Question 1

What is plate tectonics?**
- A) The study of Earth’s oceans and tides
- B) The theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that move over the mantle
- C) The study of weather patterns and climate change
- D) The theory that the continents are fixed in place

Answer 1

B) The theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several plates that move over the mantle

Explanation: Plate tectonics is a theory explaining that Earth’s outer shell (the crust and upper mantle) is broken into large pieces called plates. These plates float and move around on a softer layer below.

Question 2

Which layer of the Earth do tectonic plates rest on?
- A) Inner core
- B) Outer core
- C) Mantle
- D) Crust

Answer 2

• C) Mantle

Explanation: Tectonic plates rest on the mantle, a layer of hot, semi-solid rock. The plates slide on this layer as it moves slowly.

Question 3

What causes tectonic plates to move?
- A) Earthquakes
- B) Magnetic forces
- C) Convection currents in the mantle
- D) Winds in the atmosphere

Answer 3

• C) Convection currents in the mantle

Explanation: Heat from Earth’s core causes hot material in the mantle to rise, cool, and then sink. This creates a cycle, or convection currents, that pushes plates around on the surface.

Question 4

Which type of plate boundary occurs when two plates move toward each other?
- A) Divergent boundary
- B) Transform boundary
- C) Convergent boundary
- D) Neutral boundary

Answer 4

C) Convergent boundary

Explanation: A convergent boundary is where two plates push toward each other. This often creates mountains or causes one plate to go under the other.

Question 5

What geological feature is commonly formed at divergent boundaries?
- A) Mountain ranges
- B) Ocean trenches
- C) Mid-ocean ridges
- D) Volcanoes

Answer 5

C) Mid-ocean ridges

Explanation: At divergent boundaries, plates move apart, allowing magma to rise up and create new crust. This forms mid-ocean ridges, which are underwater mountain ranges.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of a transform boundary?
- A) Mid-Atlantic Ridge
- B) San Andreas Fault
- C) Himalayas
- D) Mariana Trench

Answer 6

B) San Andreas Fault

Explanation: A transform boundary is where two plates slide past each other. The San Andreas Fault in California is a famous example of this type of boundary, where the movement often causes earthquakes.

Question 7

What is subduction, and where does it usually occur?
- A) When one tectonic plate slides past another; occurs at transform boundaries
- B) When one tectonic plate moves over another; occurs at divergent boundaries
- C) When one tectonic plate sinks beneath another; occurs at convergent boundaries
- D) When two tectonic plates move away from each other; occurs at divergent boundaries

Answer 7

C) When one tectonic plate sinks beneath another; occurs at convergent boundaries

Explanation: Subduction happens when one plate goes under another plate, usually at convergent boundaries. This process can cause deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity.

Question 8

How are mountains like the Himalayas formed?
- A) By the collision of two oceanic plates
- B) By the collision of two continental plates
- C) By the separation of continental plates
- D) By volcanic activity

Answer 8

B) By the collision of two continental plates

Explanation: The Himalayas were formed when two large land plates (continental plates) collided and pushed land upwards, creating mountains.

Question 9

What type of plate boundary is most likely to cause earthquakes?
- A) Divergent boundary
- B) Convergent boundary
- C) Transform boundary
- D) Neutral boundary

Answer 9

C) Transform boundary

Explanation: Transform boundaries are where plates slide past each other. This sliding can cause a lot of friction, and when it releases, it triggers earthquakes.

Question 10

Why is studying plate tectonics important for understanding natural disasters?
- A) It helps scientists predict weather changes
- B) It allows scientists to measure atmospheric changes
- C) It helps explain the occurrence and distribution of earthquakes and volcanic activity
- D) It helps improve the design of ocean vessels

Answer 10

C) It helps explain the occurrence and distribution of earthquakes and volcanic activity

Explanation: Studying plate tectonics helps scientists understand where and why natural disasters like earthquakes and volcanoes happen. Knowing this can help with planning and safety.