Plate Tectonics

The theory that Earth's outer crust is divided into several plates that glide over the plastic-like and less rigid upper mantle.

• continental drift

• seafloor spreading

• plate tectonics

• crustology

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The area where two tectonic plates meet is called the:

• plate line

• mantle

• crust

• plate boundary

What is the "engine" that moves the tectonic plates?

• convection currents

• electricity

• gravity

• conduction currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The convection current in the mantle causes __________ magma to rise.

• liquid

• solid

• cooler

• hotter

The convection current in the mantle causes __________ magma to sink.

• hotter

• cooler

• liquid

• solid

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

The layer of rock which forms the continents is __________ crust.

• rough

• oceanic

• continental

• smooth

A thin layer of crust that underlies the ocean basins is __________ crust.

• oceanic

• continental

• rough

• smooth

Which crust is thicker, oceanic crust or continental crust?

• oceanic crust

• continental crust

Which crust is MORE dense, oceanic crust or continental crust?

• oceanic crust

• continental crust

Which crust is LESS dense, oceanic crust or continental crust?

• oceanic crust

• continental crust