Plate Tectonics

In some areas of the world, like California and Japan, earthquakes are a common occurrence. How can this best be explained?

• The strong ocean currents are undermining both areas causing earthquakes.

• Both areas are located near the edge of the Pacific Ocean, the unstable sand causes earthquakes.

• Both areas are subjected to strong ocean wind and waves that causes earthquakes.

• Both areas are on the boundary of active plates, the motion of the plates causes earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

There are three types of plate boundaries. Which choice is NOT a type of plate boundary?

• convergent
• thrust
• divergent
• transform

Observe this diagram of a plate boundary. One statement BEST describes what is happening. It is that

• the oceanic crust is melting.

• the denser ceanic crust is subducting under the less dense oceanic crust

• volcanic islands are forming.

• the tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The map in the picture shows tectonic plate boundaries. This map would be useful in predicting the location of future

• droughts

• hurricanes

• earthquakes

• tornadoes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What geological forces might be responsible for this range of mountains?

• diverging tectonic plates
• erosion of the land by the ocean
• converging tectonic plates
• deposition of sediments by the ocean
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Where are earthquakes MOST LIKELY to occur?

• close to the equator

• close to the center of tectonic plates

• at divergent or convergent plate boundaries

• at transform plate boundaries

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by a shift in two plates that pushed one section of the sea floor under another section of the sea floor by 5 meters. What type of boundary is this?

• divergent

• convergent

• transform

• metamorphic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

___________ currents in the Earth's asthenosphere cause plate to shift at their boundaries. This movement also causes earthquakes and volcanic activity.

• conduction

• convection

• radiation

• ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Observe the plate boundary shown here. What type of plate boundary is this? Many geologic events occur at these boundaries. Some are shown, but one is missing. What geologic event would you predict would occur at this plate boundary?

• convergent oceanic-oceanic plate boundary; volcano
• divergent oceanic-oceanic plate boundary; sea floor spreading
• convergent oceanic-continental plate boundary; earthquake
• convergent continental-continental plate boundary; mountain building
  

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is the source of energy that drives plate movement?

• the subducton of the sea floor

• the different densities of the oceanic and crustal plates

• convection currents in the asthenosphere

• the friction force between the plates that move past each other

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1