Mountains and Plates 11.3

Which of the following best describes the Plate Tectonics Theory?

• The theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle.

• The theory that mountains are formed by the accumulation of sedimentary layers.

• The theory that Earth's core is composed of solid iron and nickel.

• The theory that the Earth's surface is static and unchanging.

Answer explanation

The correct choice describes the Plate Tectonics Theory, which states that Earth's outer shell consists of several plates that move over the mantle, explaining geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Identify the type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other.

• Convergent boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Subduction zone

Answer explanation

A divergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust. This is in contrast to convergent boundaries where plates collide, and transform boundaries where they slide past each other.

Explain how mountain ranges like the Himalayas are formed.

• By the erosion of large landmasses over millions of years.

• By the collision and convergence of continental plates.

• By the accumulation of volcanic ash and lava.

• By the deposition of sediment in ocean basins.

Answer explanation

Mountain ranges like the Himalayas are formed by the collision and convergence of continental plates. This tectonic activity causes the Earth's crust to buckle and fold, creating towering peaks.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

What is an accretionary wedge, and how does it form?

• A pile of sediment that forms at a divergent boundary due to sea-floor spreading.

• A mass of sediment and rock scraped off a descending plate and piled up at a convergent boundary.

• A volcanic island arc formed by subduction.

• A mountain range formed by the collision of two continental plates.

Answer explanation

An accretionary wedge forms at a convergent boundary where an oceanic plate descends beneath another plate. Sediment and rock are scraped off the descending plate and accumulate, creating the wedge shape.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which of the following is a primary cause of earthquakes?

• The sudden release of energy due to the movement of tectonic plates.

• The gradual cooling of the Earth's core.

• The accumulation of sediment in ocean basins.

• The erosion of mountain ranges.

Answer explanation

The primary cause of earthquakes is the sudden release of energy due to the movement of tectonic plates. This movement creates stress along faults, leading to seismic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is a terrane, and how does it relate to plate tectonics?

• A large, stable block of the Earth's crust.

• A fragment of crustal material formed on, or broken off from, one tectonic plate and accreted to another.

• A volcanic island chain formed by a hotspot.

• A deep ocean trench formed by subduction.

Answer explanation

A terrane is a fragment of crustal material that forms on one tectonic plate and can be broken off and accreted to another plate. This process is significant in plate tectonics as it contributes to the formation of mountain ranges and geological diversity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which type of plate boundary is most commonly associated with volcanic activity?

• Convergent boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Passive margin

Answer explanation

Volcanic activity is most commonly associated with convergent boundaries, where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to melting and magma formation. This process often results in volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

How do divergent plate boundaries contribute to the formation of new oceanic crust?

• By the subduction of oceanic plates beneath continental plates.

• By the upwelling of magma from the mantle, creating new crust as plates move apart.

• By the collision and folding of continental plates.

• By the erosion of existing oceanic crust.

Answer explanation

Divergent plate boundaries allow tectonic plates to move apart, enabling magma from the mantle to rise and solidify, thus forming new oceanic crust. This process is essential for the continuous renewal of the ocean floor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

What is the primary effect of an earthquake on the Earth's surface?

• The formation of new mountain ranges.

• The creation of deep ocean trenches.

• The shaking and displacement of the ground.

• The cooling of the Earth's core.

Answer explanation

The primary effect of an earthquake is the shaking and displacement of the ground, which occurs due to the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust. This movement can cause significant damage to structures and landscapes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Explain the role of subduction zones in the formation of volcanic mountain ranges.

• Subduction zones cause the melting of the subducting plate, leading to magma formation and volcanic activity.

• Subduction zones lead to the erosion of mountain ranges by ocean currents.

• Subduction zones create new oceanic crust through sea-floor spreading.

• Subduction zones result in the cooling and solidification of magma beneath the Earth's surface.

Answer explanation

Subduction zones occur where one tectonic plate is forced under another, causing the subducting plate to melt. This melting generates magma, which can rise to the surface and result in volcanic activity, forming volcanic mountain ranges.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1