Plate Tectonics Quiz

According to the theory of plate tectonics, which layer of the Earth is made up of plates?

• Asthenosphere

• Atmosphere

• Lithosphere

• Mesosphere

Answer explanation

The lithosphere is the outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact, making it the correct answer.

Which is not a primary plate?

• Australian Plate

• Pacific Plate

• North American

• Philippine Plate

Answer explanation

The North American Plate is not considered a primary plate. The primary tectonic plates include the Australian, Pacific, and Philippine Plates, which are larger and more significant in tectonic activity.

The Ring of Fire is located around the edges of the ____________.

• Eurasian Plate

• Pacific Plate

• Nazca Plate

• South American Plate

Answer explanation

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its high volcanic and seismic activity, making the Pacific Plate the correct answer as it encircles this region.

According to the theory of plate tectonics, on which layer do plates float?

• Asthenosphere

• Lithosphere

• Atmosphere

• Mesosphere

Answer explanation

According to the theory of plate tectonics, tectonic plates float on the asthenosphere, which is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere, allowing for their movement.

What term is used to describe a point on Earth’s surface directly above the focus?

• Fault

• Hypocenter

• Epicenter

• Seismic graph

Answer explanation

The term 'epicenter' refers to the point on Earth's surface that is directly above the focus of an earthquake. It is the location where seismic waves first reach the surface, making it crucial for understanding earthquake impacts.

A subduction zone is associated with which type of tectonic boundary:

• Divergent

• Convergent

• Transform

• None of these

Answer explanation

A subduction zone occurs where one tectonic plate is forced under another, which is characteristic of convergent boundaries. Therefore, the correct answer is convergent.

Plates move apart at a ____________________ boundaries.

• Transform

• Convergent

• Divergent

• Fault

Answer explanation

Plates move apart at divergent boundaries, where tectonic plates separate, allowing magma to rise and create new crust. This process is distinct from transform and convergent boundaries, where plates slide past or collide with each other.

Active volcanoes are most likely to form at;

• Transform boundaries

• The center of continents

• Divergent boundaries

• Convergent

Answer explanation

Active volcanoes primarily form at convergent boundaries where tectonic plates collide, causing one plate to subduct beneath another, leading to magma formation. This process is less common at transform or divergent boundaries.

How do the plates move at a transform boundary?

• They move toward each other.

• They move away from each other.

• They move past each other

• They do not move.

Answer explanation

At a transform boundary, tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes but does not involve the plates moving toward or away from each other.

There is no formation of volcanoes in the convergence between __________.

• two oceanic plates

• oceanic and continental plates

• two continental plates

• none of these

Answer explanation

Volcanoes do not form at the convergence of two continental plates because they create mountain ranges instead of magma generation. In contrast, oceanic and continental plate convergence or two oceanic plates can lead to volcanic activity.