Data Analysis: Earth's Interior & Plate Tectonics

How does the speed of seismic waves change as they travel deeper into Earth?

• It decreases steadily

• It increases with depth, except in the outer core

• It remains constant

• It fluctuates randomly

What happens to seismic waves when they reach the outer core, and what does this tell us about its composition?

• They stop completely, indicating a solid layer

• They slow down, showing it's a liquid layer

• They speed up, proving it's a denser solid

• They change direction randomly

Scientists use ________ data to determine the structure and composition of Earth's layers.

What is the primary source of heat that drives convection currents in the mantle?

• The Sun

• Friction from moving plates

• Radioactive decay in Earth's interior

• Ocean currents

How do convection currents cause the movement of tectonic plates?

• Rising hot material pushes plates apart, and sinking cooler material pulls them together

• The rotation of Earth drags the plates along

• Wind patterns push the plates

• 4. Tectonic plates move randomly without influence

Match the process to its location:

• Plates move apart

• Subduction zone →

• Plates collide together

• Mid-ocean ridge →

• One plate sinks beneath another

• Convergent boundary -->

Which plate has the highest movement speed?

• North American

• Eurasian

• Pacific

• Antarctic

8. How does plate movement contribute to earthquakes and volcanic activity?

• Plates moving together cause earthquakes, while separating plates lead to volcanic activity

• Plate movement has no impact on natural disasters

• Plates move only vertically, causing deep earthquakes

• All earthquakes occur randomly

Match the plate boundary type to its movement:

• Plates move apart

• Divergent boundary →

• Plates move toward each other

• Transform boundary →

• Plates slide past each other

• Convergent boundary →

Formulate a claim about how the age of oceanic crust changes relative to mid-ocean ridges.