ES SOL Review 40 - Mid-Ocean Ridges

Which TWO are the Earth's Tectonic Plates made of?

• Rocky Crust

• Uppermost Mantle

• Middle Mantle

Answer explanation

Earth's tectonic plates are composed of the rocky crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. This solid layer is crucial for the movement of plates, unlike ocean water, sand, gravel, or ice, which do not make up the plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which THREE of the following are the Oceanic Lithosphere characterized by?

• Thin

• Young

• Old

• Dense

Answer explanation

The Oceanic Lithosphere is characterized as thin, young, and dense due to its formation at mid-ocean ridges and rapid cooling, making option B the correct choice.

Which lithosphere is relatively thick, old, and less dense?

• Oceanic Lithosphere

• Continental Lithosphere

Answer explanation

The continental lithosphere is thicker, older, and less dense compared to the oceanic lithosphere, which is thinner, younger, and denser. Therefore, the correct answer is B) Continental Lithosphere.

The arrows on the lithosphere map indicate (a)  

• Movement of Plates
• Ocean Currents

Answer explanation

The arrows on the lithosphere map indicate the movement of tectonic plates, which is crucial for understanding geological processes such as earthquakes and volcanic activity. This is why 'Movement of plates' is the correct answer.

What is the lithosphere divided into?

• Continents

• Oceans

• Plates

• Mountains

Answer explanation

The lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates, which float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath. These plates interact at their boundaries, leading to geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Which TWO plates separate the Mid-Ocean Ridge separates?

• North American and Eurasian Plates

• South American and African Plates

• South African and West African Plates

Answer explanation

The Mid-Ocean Ridge is a divergent boundary where tectonic plates move apart. It separates the North American and Eurasian plates in the North Atlantic and the South American and African plates in the South Atlantic, making 'Both A and B' correct.

What type of boundary does the Southeast Indian Ridge form with the Antarctic plate?

• Convergent Boundary

• Divergent Boundary

• Transform Boundary

Answer explanation

The Southeast Indian Ridge is a divergent boundary where the Antarctic plate is moving away from the Indian plate, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This is characteristic of divergent boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What is shown in the diagram related to Mid-Ocean Ridges?

• Plate boundaries

• Ocean Currents

• Mountain Ranges

Answer explanation

The diagram related to Mid-Ocean Ridges illustrates plate boundaries where tectonic plates diverge, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust. This makes 'Plate boundaries' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What effect does the movement of the oceanic crust have on the ocean basin?

• Decreases the volume

• Increases the volume

• No effect

• Decreases the sea level

Answer explanation

The movement of the oceanic crust can create new oceanic features, such as mid-ocean ridges, which increases the volume of the ocean basin. This process contributes to the overall expansion of oceanic areas.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

What helped scientists first identify the process of seafloor spreading?

• Ocean Currents

• Magnetism of Mid-Ocean Ridges

• Tidal Waves

• Earthquakes

Answer explanation

Scientists identified seafloor spreading through the study of the magnetism of mid-ocean ridges. As magma rises and solidifies, it records Earth's magnetic field, revealing patterns of magnetic reversals that indicate seafloor spreading.