Plate Tectonics

What is the theory that explains the structure and behavior of the Earth?

• Theory of Evolution

• Theory of Relativity

• Plate Tectonics

• Continental Drift

Who proposed the idea of continental drift and the supercontinent Pangaea?

• Alfred Wegener

• Harry Hess

• Bruce Heezen

• Marie Tharp

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

• Spatial distribution of fossils

• Location of rock types

• Trends of mountain ranges

• All of the above

What did the physiographic map of the Atlantic ocean floor reveal?

• Flat featureless plain

• Mountains and valleys

• Deep trenches

• All of the above

What is the process by which new seafloor is formed at mid-oceanic ridges?

• Subduction

• Continental drift

• Seafloor spreading

• Plate collision

What is the name of the seismic surveillance system created during the Cold War?

• Sentinel series

• Echo sounder

• Global seismic network

• Continuous echo sounder

What is the name of the boundary where the North American plate slides past the Pacific Plate?

• Divergent boundary

• Convergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Subduction zone

What happens when two continental plates collide?

• Subduction

• Seafloor spreading

• Mountain building

• Plate collision

What is the area surrounding the basin of the Pacific Ocean known as?

• Pacific Ring of Fire

• Mid-Atlantic Ridge

• East Pacific Rise

• San Andreas Fault

What is the process by which the Earth's landmasses are constantly moving?

• Continental drift

• Seafloor spreading

• Plate tectonics

• Volcanic activity