Tectonics

Question 1

State three peices of evidence that support the existence of tectonic plates

Answer 1

1. Jigsaw puzzle shape of the continents
2. Fossil records
3. Alignment of the rocks

Question 2

What is a tectonic plate

Answer 2

A tectonic plate is part of the Earth’s crust that can move

Question 3

Explain how the jigsaw puzzle shape of the continents provides evidence for tectonic plates

Answer 3

The jigsaw puzzle shape of continents show that the continents were once together and that the coastlines fit together like a jigsaw. However with the movement of tectonic plates, they have now split apart.

Question 4

Explain how the fossil records provides evidence for tectonic plates

Answer 4

The same species of fossils have been found in different continents showing that they were once together

Question 5

Explain how the alignment of the rocks provides evidence for tectonic plates

Answer 5

The alignment of new rocks are different from old rocks showing that tectonic plates are pushed apart to allow new rocks to push upwards

Question 6

How do the continents move

Answer 6

They move as a result of convection currents. The heat in the core causes the fluid in the mantle to move around. The hotter, less dense air rises to the top while the cool fluid sinks to the bottom part of the mantle. As a result, the heat in the mantle causes the tectonic plates in the crust to move.