Plate Tectonics Quiz

Explain how the theory of continental drift led to the development of plate tectonics.

• Continental drift suggested that continents were once connected, leading to the idea of moving plates.

• Continental drift showed that continents were stationary, which contradicted plate tectonics.

• Continental drift was unrelated to plate tectonics.

• Continental drift only explained the movement of oceans, not continents.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze the evidence that Alfred Wegener used to support his theory of continental drift and evaluate its impact on the scientific community at the time.

• Fossil evidence, rock formations, and climatic evidence; it was widely accepted immediately.

• Fossil evidence, rock formations, and climatic evidence; it faced significant skepticism initially.

• Only fossil evidence; it was immediately accepted.

• Only rock formations; it faced no opposition.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Compare and contrast the processes of seafloor spreading and subduction in the context of plate tectonics.

• Seafloor spreading creates new crust, while subduction recycles old crust.

• Both processes create new crust.

• Both processes recycle old crust.

• Seafloor spreading recycles old crust, while subduction creates new crust.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Design an experiment to demonstrate the movement of tectonic plates using simple materials.

• Use a balloon to represent the Earth and markers to show plate boundaries.

• Use a sandbox to simulate the movement of plates with different colored sands.

• Use a large piece of paper to draw the Earth and cut it into pieces to show plate movement.

• Use a water tank to show how plates float and move on the mantle.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Evaluate the role of mantle convection in driving plate tectonics and provide evidence to support your evaluation.

• Mantle convection is the primary driver of plate tectonics, supported by heat flow measurements.

• Mantle convection has no role in plate tectonics.

• Mantle convection is a minor factor, with gravity being the primary driver.

• Mantle convection is the primary driver, but there is no supporting evidence.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Using the concept of plate tectonics, predict the geological features you would expect to find at a convergent boundary between an oceanic and a continental plate.

• Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

• Deep ocean trenches and volcanic mountain ranges.

• Transform faults and fracture zones.

• Large, flat plains with no significant geological activity.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Critically assess the impact of plate tectonics on the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes around the world.

• Plate tectonics has no impact on the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

• Plate tectonics explains the concentration of earthquakes and volcanoes along plate boundaries.

• Earthquakes and volcanoes are randomly distributed and unrelated to plate tectonics.

• Plate tectonics only affects the distribution of volcanoes, not earthquakes.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Formulate a hypothesis on how the movement of tectonic plates could affect climate patterns over geological time scales.

• Tectonic plate movement has no effect on climate patterns.

• The movement of tectonic plates can alter ocean currents and atmospheric circulation, affecting climate.

• Tectonic plate movement only affects the distribution of landmasses, not climate.

• Tectonic plate movement causes immediate and drastic changes in climate.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Analyze the relationship between the age of oceanic crust and its distance from mid-ocean ridges.

• The age of oceanic crust decreases with distance from mid-ocean ridges.

• The age of oceanic crust increases with distance from mid-ocean ridges.

• The age of oceanic crust remains constant regardless of distance from mid-ocean ridges.

• The age of oceanic crust is unrelated to its distance from mid-ocean ridges.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Propose a method to measure the rate of plate movement and justify your choice.

• Use GPS technology to measure the precise movement of plates over time.

• Use a ruler to measure the distance between continents.

• Use a stopwatch to time the movement of plates.

• Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of the plates.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking