Earth's Structure & Motion Quiz

Although Alfred Wegener proposed the idea of Continental Drift, what was the main reason his hypothesis was not widely accepted at first?

• He had no evidence to support his ideas.

• He couldn't explain how the continents moved.

• Other scientists had already proven his ideas wrong.

• His maps were inaccurate.

In science, a 'theory' (like the Theory of Plate Tectonics) is best described as:

• A simple guess or opinion about how something works.

• An idea that has been proven absolutely true and can never be changed.

• A well-supported explanation for a wide range of observations, backed by extensive evidence.

• A prediction that has not yet been tested.

What is unique about Earth's inner core compared to the outer core?

• The inner core is liquid, while the outer core is solid.

• The inner core is made of rock, while the outer core is metal.

• The inner core is solid, despite its extreme temperature and pressure.

• The inner core is much cooler than the outer core.

The rigid outer layer of Earth, which includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, and is broken into tectonic plates, is called the:

• Asthenosphere

• Hydrosphere

• Lithosphere

• Biosphere

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

• Heat from the sun's radiation.

• Heat generated by volcanoes on the surface.

• Heat from Earth's core and radioactive decay within the mantle.

• Heat from friction caused by tectonic plates rubbing together.

If you found ancient glacial deposits (evidence of ice sheets) in a region that is now a hot, tropical desert, what would this suggest about that landmass's history?

• The climate has drastically changed due to human activity.

• The landmass has moved from a colder region to its current tropical location.

• A massive meteor impact caused the climate to shift quickly.

• It was always a desert, and the deposits are from human activity.

The discovery of long, continuous mountain ranges and deep trenches on the ocean floor provided crucial evidence for:

• The Earth's magnetic field.

• The processes of seafloor spreading and subduction at plate boundaries.

• The existence of ancient supercontinents like Pangaea.

• The effects of erosion by ocean currents.

The Theory of Plate Tectonics states that Earth's surface is divided into large, rigid slabs called:

• Continents

• Supercontinents

• Convection cells

• Tectonic plates

Which type of plate boundary is responsible for the formation of new oceanic crust as magma rises to fill the gap between separating plates?

• Convergent boundary

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Subduction zone

The Himalayan Mountains, the world's tallest mountain range, were formed by the collision of the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This is an example of a:

• Divergent boundary

• Transform boundary

• Convergent boundary (continental-continental)

• Subduction zone