Plates

How do rock samples collected from the sea floor provide evidence of tectonic plate movement?

• Older rocks are found near the deep-ocean trenches.

• Older rocks are near the center of mid-ocean ridges.

• Younger rocks are near the deep-ocean trenches.

• Younger rocks are mixed with older rocks at mid-ocean ridges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

In 1912, Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, stating that all the continents were once joined together and slowly moved apart. However, his theory was not widely accepted in his time. In 1962, the discovery of sea floor spreading (sea floor being forced apart by the formation of new crust) eventually led to a more modern and widely accepted theory of plate tectonics. Why did the theory of plate tectonics improve upon Wegener’s theory of continental drift?

• The theory of plate tectonics was a less complete theory because it provided a reason and mechanism for why the plates and continents moved.

• The theory of plate tectonics was a more complete theory because it failed to provide reasons and mechanisms for why the plates and continents moved.

• The theory of plate tectonics was a less complete theory because it failed to provide complete reasons and mechanisms for why the plates and continents moved.

• The theory of plate tectonics was a more complete theory because it provided a reason and mechanism for why the plates and continents moved.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which explanation best accounts for the fossil evidence?

• The continents were once connected by a large land bridge.

• The reptile species evolved on the two different continents at the same time.

• The continents were once joined together within a larger landmass.

• The reptile species floated across the Atlantic Ocean on logs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A student makes a model to show two continental plates at a convergent boundary by first breaking a clay block into two pieces. He then pushes the two pieces against one another with constant force, as shown in stages 1 and 2. The student concludes that mountains are formed when two continental plates collide at a convergent boundary. Which statement best supports the student’s conclusion?

• Both halves of the block are equal in dimensions.

• The texture of the block resembles continental crust.

• The fault line in stage 1 is vertical, and this is descriptive of all continental boundaries.

• Both stages 1 and 2 have the same densities, and one plate cannot sink under the other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Assume that the diagram below shows a cross section of part of the lithosphere.

Which diagram correctly shows what will happen to the lithosphere when pushed by tectonic forces?

• 
• 
• 
• 

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which statement describes the differences between continental and oceanic crust?

• Continental crust is thin with low density, while oceanic crust is thick with high density.

• Continental crust is thick with low density, while oceanic crust is thin with high density.

• Continental crust is thick with high density, while oceanic crust is thin with low density.

• Continental crust is thin with high density, while oceanic crust is thick with low density.

A student prepared a list of changes that can occur to landforms through volcanic eruptions.

Which changes in the student’s list are correct?

• 1 and 2

• 1 and 3

• 2 and 3

• 3 and 4

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Earthquakes occur along the San Andreas Fault in California. Which statement best describes plate motion in the area during the time between earthquakes?

• Plate motion stops, and plate tension decreases.

• Plate motion continues, and plate tension increases.

• Plate motion continues, and plate tension increases. Plate motion stops, and only the mantle moves.

• Plate motion reverses, and plates return to their original positions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What type of landform is most likely formed by a divergent tectonic plate boundary?

• island arc

• oceanic trench

• rift zone

• folded mountains

An illustration of the major tectonic plates is provided. Which of the labeled plates in the illustration is the Indo-Austrslian Plate?

• A

• B

• C

• D

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3