Discovering Earth's Geological Mysteries

What inspired Alfred Wegener to propose the theory of continental drift?

• Measurements of the Earth's magnetic field

• The discovery of underwater volcanoes

• Identical fossils found on distant continents

• The invention of sonar technology

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

What was the main reason Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially rejected?

• Wegener was not a geologist

• Lack of evidence for a mechanism

• The theory contradicted religious beliefs

• It was considered too radical

What significant discovery did Harry Hess make during World War II?

• Underwater mountain ranges

• Seafloor spreading

• The Mid-Atlantic Ridge

• Subduction zones

What did the discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge contribute to geology?

• It confirmed the Earth was flat

• It showed the Earth was expanding

• It provided evidence for seafloor spreading

• It disproved continental drift

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How did Harry Hess explain the creation of new seafloor?

• By meteorite impacts

• Through large earthquakes

• By molten rock rising at mid-ocean ridges

• Through volcanic eruptions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is the process called that recycles the ocean floor back into the Earth's mantle?

• Erosion

• Subduction

• Condensation

• Deposition

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What does the theory of plate tectonics explain?

• The formation of the moon

• The temperature of the Earth's core

• The cycle of day and night

• The movement of Earth's continents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Why do earthquakes occur according to plate tectonics?

• Due to the moon's gravitational pull

• Because of sudden releases of energy along plate boundaries

• From volcanic activity under the sea

• Due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What role do volcanoes play in the theory of plate tectonics?

• They mark the boundaries of tectonic plates

• They are the result of plates colliding and subducting

• They are unrelated to tectonic activity

• They cool the Earth's interior

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

How does the theory of plate tectonics describe the movement of the Earth's surface?

• As static and unchanging

• As expanding uniformly

• As broken into plates that move independently

• As shrinking due to cooling

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3