Introduction To Plate Tectonics Quiz

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  • 1/10 Questions

    Who first proposed the theory of continental drift?

    • Harry Hess
    • Alfred Wegener
    • Pangea
    • J. Tuzo Wilson
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About This Quiz

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Ever wondered how mountains form or why earthquakes happen? Take the Introduction to Plate Tectonics Quiz and discover the amazing forces that shape our planet! This quiz offers a fun way to learn the basics of plate tectonics, a scientific theory that explains how the Earth's surface moves and changes over time. It explores key concepts like continental drift, the idea that continents have slowly drifted apart over millions of years.
The quiz also covers different aspects like the types of plate boundaries and how these interactions between massive tectonic plates create mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Whether a student is just starting to learn about Earth science or someone is simply curious about the world around them, this quiz is a great place to start. It's an easy way to understand the powerful forces that have shaped – and continue to shape – our planet!

Introduction To Plate Tectonics Quiz - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    When plates move apart it's called ____________.

    • Divergent

    • Convergent

    • Transform

    • Subduction

    Correct Answer
    A. Divergent
    Explanation
    When plates move apart, it is called divergent. This occurs at divergent boundaries where two plates are moving away from each other. As the plates separate, molten material from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is responsible for the formation of mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys on land. Divergent boundaries are also associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes.

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  • 3. 

    When plates slide past each other their called ______________.

    • Divergent

    • Convergent

    • Transform

    Correct Answer
    A. Transform
    Explanation
    When plates slide past each other, it is known as a transform boundary. This type of plate boundary is characterized by horizontal movement, where two plates move in opposite directions. Transform boundaries are often associated with earthquakes, as the sliding of plates can cause significant friction and stress along the boundary. These boundaries can be found in locations such as the San Andreas Fault in California.

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  • 4. 

    When plates move towards each other it's called __________.

    • Divergent

    • Convergent

    • Transform

    Correct Answer
    A. Convergent
    Explanation
    When plates move towards each other, it is called convergent. This is because convergent boundaries occur when two tectonic plates collide or come together. This movement can result in the formation of mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Convergent boundaries can involve oceanic-oceanic, oceanic-continental, or continental-continental plate collisions, leading to mountain formation (continental-continental), subduction (oceanic-continental), or volcanic arcs (oceanic-oceanic).

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  • 5. 

    In convection currents, denser material will sink and less dense material will rise.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In convection currents, denser material sinks because it is heavier and has a higher mass per unit volume. This causes it to displace the less dense material, which in turn rises. This process creates a continuous circulation of fluids, such as air or water, resulting in convection currents. Therefore, the statement that denser material sinks and less dense material rises in convection currents is true.

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  • 6. 

    When new crust is added to the ocean floor, it's called _________.

    • Subduction

    • Seafloor spreading

    • Trench

    • Convergence

    Correct Answer
    A. Seafloor spreading
    Explanation
    Seafloor spreading is the correct answer because it refers to the process in which new crust is formed at the mid-ocean ridges and then spreads outwards, creating new oceanic lithosphere. This occurs due to the upwelling of magma from the mantle, which solidifies and forms new crust. As the new crust is added, the older crust is pushed away from the ridge, leading to the continuous expansion of the ocean floor.

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  • 7. 

    Subduction is

    • The process by which oceanic crust sinks beneath trenches.

    • The direct transfer of heat through solid materials.

    • The process that continually adds ocean floor.

    • A device that bounces sound waves off underwater objects.

    Correct Answer
    A. The process by which oceanic crust sinks beneath trenches.
    Explanation
    Subduction is the correct answer because it refers to the process where oceanic crust, usually denser than continental crust, is forced beneath another plate at a convergent boundary, forming a trench. This process is responsible for the formation of volcanic arcs and the recycling of old oceanic crust back into the mantle. The other options are incorrect as they do not accurately describe subduction.

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  • 8. 

    Earth's lithosphere is broken into separate sections called ______________. 

    • Plates

    • Faults

    • Trenches

    • Rifts

    Correct Answer
    A. Plates
    Explanation
    The Earth's lithosphere, which includes the crust and uppermost mantle, is divided into several separate sections known as plates. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other, resulting in various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. This division into plates helps explain the distribution of continents and oceans on Earth's surface and provides a framework for understanding the dynamic nature of our planet's geology.

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  • 9. 

    What drives plate movement?

    • Plate boundaries

    • Ocean currents

    • Convection currents

    • The sun

    Correct Answer
    A. Convection currents
    Explanation
    Convection currents are responsible for driving plate movement. These currents occur in the Earth's mantle, where heat from the core causes the material to rise and cool material to sink. This creates a circular motion, known as convection, that drives the movement of the tectonic plates. As the material rises, it pushes the plates apart at divergent boundaries, while at convergent boundaries, the sinking material pulls the plates together. Therefore, convection currents play a crucial role in shaping the Earth's surface by driving plate tectonics.

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  • 10. 

    If oceanic crust and continental crust came towards each other, what would happen? 

    • Mountains would form.

    • The continental crust would subduct beneath the oceanic crust.

    • The oceanic crust would subduct beneath the continental crust.

    • The oceanic crust would rise above the continental crust.

    Correct Answer
    A. The oceanic crust would subduct beneath the continental crust.
    Explanation
    When oceanic crust and continental crust converge, the denser oceanic crust would subduct (sink) beneath the less dense continental crust. This process is known as subduction. As the oceanic crust sinks into the mantle, it can create a deep ocean trench. The subduction of the oceanic crust beneath the continental crust can also lead to the formation of mountains through the collision and compression of the crustal material. Therefore, the correct answer is that the oceanic crust would subduct beneath the continental crust.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 18, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 12, 2015
    Quiz Created by
    Langstsh
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