Plate Tectonics Test Review

Front

Who first described the idea of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener

Front

What evidence did the scientist use to support his theory? Explain why each is important. (There are 4).

Back

1. Fit of the continents - suggests they were once joined. 2. Fossil evidence - similar fossils found on different continents. 3. Geological similarities - matching rock formations across continents. 4. Glacier/ climate evidence - past climates indicate continents were once connected.

Front

Why does the size of the earth not change even though new crust is continually being formed?

Back

Because new crust is created at mid-ocean ridges and destroyed at subduction zones, maintaining a balance.

Front

What is the energy source that causes the plates to move? Where does it come from?

Back

The energy source is heat from the Earth's interior, primarily from radioactive decay.

Front

What is the largest lithospheric tectonic plate?

Back

The Pacific Plate.

Front

Which crust is more dense, continental or oceanic?

Back

Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust.

Front

What is the area around the pacific ocean that is populated with the largest numbers of volcanos and earthquake zones called?

Back

The Ring of Fire.

Front

Plates slide past one another at _______________ boundaries.

Back

Transform boundaries.

Front

Plate collide together along _______________________ boundaries.

Back

Convergent boundaries.

Front

Plates spread apart along _______________________ boundaries.

Back

Divergent boundaries.