Continental Drift Web Site & Questions

Who is the scientist most associated with the theory of continental drift?

• Marie Curie

• Isaac Newton

• Alfred Wegener

• Charles Darwin

Answer explanation

The scientist most associated with the theory of continental drift is Alfred Wegener. He proposed the idea in the early 20th century, suggesting that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What was the name of the single landmass that Alfred Wegener believed all of Earth's continents were once part of?

• Gondwana

• Eurasia

• Laurasia

• Pangaea

Answer explanation

Alfred Wegener believed all of Earth's continents were once part of Pangaea, a single landmass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Which reptile's fossils were found in both southern Africa and South America, supporting the theory of continental drift?

• Tyrannosaurus Rex

• Brachiosaurus

• Mesosaurus

• Stegosaurus

Answer explanation

The reptile whose fossils were found in both southern Africa and South America, supporting the theory of continental drift, is Mesosaurus.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

What is the process by which molten rock rises from within the Earth and adds new seafloor to the edges of the old?

• Volcanic Eruption

• Seafloor Spreading

• Tectonic Subduction

• Rift Valley Formation

Answer explanation

Seafloor spreading is the process by which molten rock rises from within the Earth and adds new seafloor to the edges of the old. It is the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which mountain range was created by the collision of the Indian subcontinent and the Asian continent?

• Alps

• Andes

• Rocky Mountains

• Himalayas

Answer explanation

The Himalayas were created by the collision of the Indian subcontinent and the Asian continent.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the name of the ancient continent proposed by Alfred Wegener, which means 'first or original continent'?

• Pangaea

• Rodinia

• Urkontinent

• Gondwana

Answer explanation

The ancient continent proposed by Alfred Wegener, which means 'first or original continent', is called Urkontinent.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

What is the main geologic force behind continental drift, as recognized by Wegener?

• Volcanic Eruption

• Rift Valley Formation

• Seafloor Spreading

• Tectonic Subduction

Answer explanation

The main geologic force behind continental drift, as recognized by Wegener, is seafloor spreading.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which two continents are moving away from each other at the rate of about 2.5 centimeters per year due to seafloor spreading?

• North America and South America

• Africa and Europe

• North America and Eurasia

• Australia and Antarctica

Answer explanation

North America and Eurasia are moving away from each other at a rate of about 2.5 centimeters per year due to seafloor spreading.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What will eventually split along the Great Rift Valley system, creating two separate landmasses?

• Europe

• North America

• South America

• Africa

Answer explanation

The Great Rift Valley system will eventually split Africa into two separate landmasses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the name of the process where heavier tectonic plates sink beneath lighter ones?

• Seafloor Spreading

• Volcanic Eruption

• Tectonic Subduction

• Rift Valley Formation

Answer explanation

Tectonic Subduction is the process where heavier tectonic plates sink beneath lighter ones, causing geological activity.