11.3

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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Discuss the relationship between volcanic activity and the formation of island arcs.

• Island arcs form from the accumulation of sediment at divergent boundaries.

• Island arcs are formed by volcanic activity at convergent boundaries where oceanic plates subduct.

• Island arcs are created by the erosion of continental landmasses.

• Island arcs result from the cooling and solidification of magma at transform boundaries.

Answer explanation

Island arcs are formed by volcanic activity at convergent boundaries where one oceanic plate subducts beneath another, leading to magma formation and volcanic eruptions that create the arc shape.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What is the primary process occurring at a transform plate boundary?

• Plates remain stationary, causing no geological activity.

• Plates slide past each other horizontally.

• Plates move away from each other, forming new crust.

• Plates move towards each other, causing subduction.

Answer explanation

At a transform plate boundary, the primary process is that plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes but does not create or destroy crust, unlike divergent or convergent boundaries.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

How does sea-floor spreading contribute to the theory of plate tectonics?

• It provides evidence for the movement of tectonic plates by creating new oceanic crust.

• It accounts for the cooling of the Earth's core.

• It explains the formation of mountain ranges on continental plates.

• It describes the process of erosion on the ocean floor.

Answer explanation

Sea-floor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed as tectonic plates move apart. This process provides clear evidence of plate movement, supporting the theory of plate tectonics.

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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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is the significance of transform boundaries in the context of earthquakes?

• Transform boundaries are areas where new crust is formed, leading to frequent earthquakes.

• Transform boundaries are areas where plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

• Transform boundaries are areas where plates converge, leading to the formation of mountain ranges.

• Transform boundaries are areas where plates diverge, resulting in volcanic activity.

Answer explanation

Transform boundaries are significant because they are locations where tectonic plates slide past each other. This movement can create stress that is released as earthquakes, making these boundaries prone to seismic activity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Analyze the impact of terrane accretion on the geological features of a continent.

• Terrane accretion leads to the formation of deep ocean trenches along continental margins.

• Terrane accretion results in the growth and modification of continental crust, creating diverse geological features.

• Terrane accretion causes the erosion of existing mountain ranges.

• Terrane accretion leads to the formation of new oceanic crust at divergent boundaries.

Answer explanation

Terrane accretion enhances continental crust by adding new material, leading to diverse geological features such as mountains, plateaus, and varied rock types, making this the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What geological feature is commonly formed at a divergent plate boundary?

• Mountain range

• Mid-ocean ridge

• Deep ocean trench

• Volcanic island arc

Answer explanation

At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. This process forms a mid-ocean ridge, which is a prominent geological feature associated with such boundaries.