2.1 - Plate Tectonics

What limitations did Alfred Wagner have while developing his theory of continental drift?

• Sonar had not been developed and the seafloor topography was not mapped.

• He could not properly identify rock types between continents.

• Fossil distribution between continents was not known.

• Maps could not properly show the puzzle like fit of the continents

Pangaea

• Was a supercontinent that formed over 300 million years ago.

• Was a supercontinent that broke apart over 250 million years ago

• Means “all land”

• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Layer of semi-solid molten rock within Earth's interior. The crust rides on this layer.

• Lithosphere

• Core

• Mantle

• Crust

Oceanic crust is characterized by (may be more than one correct answer)

• lower density

• being thicker than other types of crust

• being made up of basalt

• Higher density

Tectonic plates float independently on the

• Lithosphere

• Asthenosphere

• ionosphere

• Geosphere

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

The Figure shown for this question represents evidence of Seafloor spreading. Select each of the statements that support this concept. (select all that apply)

• The Earth's magnetic field undergoes periodic reversals

• iron in the newly formed rock aligns to the polarity of the Earth's Magnetic Field.

• Older seafloor is found near the mid-ocean ridge

• new seafloor is formed along the ocean ridge.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Fossils of the Mesosaurus were found in Permian-aged rocks in certain regions of Brazil and South America and nowhere else in the world. Which of the following best explains these findings.

• Mesosaurus frequently swam between the two continents.

• South America and Africa were once joined together.

• two separate populations evolved identically on two different continents.

• The coastlines of South America and Africa do not fit together.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which of the following is an example of a convergent plate boundary

• Mid-Atlantic Ridge

• San Andreas Fault in California

• The Western Coastline of South America

• Hawaiian Islands

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Two oceanic plates converging produced which of the following features? Select all that apply.

• volcanic island arc

• Mid-Ocean Ridge

• Trench/ subduction Zone

• continental mountain ranges

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Divergent plate boundaries produce which of the following features?

• Volcanic island arc

• Mid-ocean ridge

• continental mountain ranges

• subduction zone

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1