Plate Tectonics Honors Summative Assessment
This Assessment will cover the concepts, essential questions and vocabulary covered in the Plate Tectonics Unit.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
Which of the following statements correctly describes the asthenosphere?
- A.
It is a thin, cold and rigid layer.
- B.
It is the cource of Earth's heat.
- C.
It permits plate movement.
- D.
It occurs only near subduction zones.
Correct Answer
C. It permits plate movement.Explanation
The correct answer is "It permits plate movement." The asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth's mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere. It is semi-fluid and has a lower viscosity compared to the lithosphere. This allows the asthenosphere to deform and flow, enabling the movement of tectonic plates. The asthenosphere acts as a lubricating layer, allowing the lithospheric plates to slide and move over it. This movement is responsible for various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.Rate this question:
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- 2.
In the plate tectonics theory, the lithosphere is divided into ________.
- A.
100 major plates
- B.
7 major plates and many smaller plates
- C.
Many small plates, but no large plates
- D.
50 major plates and many smaller plates
Correct Answer
B. 7 major plates and many smaller platesExplanation
The lithosphere, in the plate tectonics theory, is divided into 7 major plates and many smaller plates. This division is based on the movement and interaction of these plates, which can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The 7 major plates include the Pacific Plate, North American Plate, Eurasian Plate, African Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, Antarctic Plate, and South American Plate. The smaller plates are often referred to as microplates or minor plates, and they play a significant role in the overall dynamics of the Earth's lithosphere.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In the plate tectonic theory, a plate can be made up of ______________ .
- A.
Continental lithosphere only
- B.
Oceanic lithosphere only
- C.
Both continental and oceanic lithosphere
- D.
Both continental and oceanic asthenosphere
Correct Answer
C. Both continental and oceanic lithosphereExplanation
According to the plate tectonic theory, a plate can be made up of both continental and oceanic lithosphere. This means that a plate can consist of the Earth's crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, whether it is continental or oceanic in nature. This is supported by the observation that plates can contain both landmasses (continental lithosphere) and areas covered by water (oceanic lithosphere), indicating that both types of lithosphere can be part of a single plate.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What kind of plate boundary occurs where two plates grind past each other without destroying or producing lithosphere?
- A.
Divergent boundary
- B.
Convergent boundary
- C.
Transform fault boundary
Correct Answer
C. Transform fault boundaryExplanation
trasform fault boundaries are sometimes referred to as strike-slip plates, or slip-slide plates. The most famous of this type of fault is the San Andreas Fault that runs from Mexico to Oregon.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is a geographic example of a transform fault boundary?
- A.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge
- B.
The Andes Mountain
- C.
The East African Rift Valley
- D.
The San Andreas Fault
Correct Answer
D. The San Andreas FaultExplanation
The San Andreas Fault is a geographic example of a transform fault boundary. This fault is located in California and is responsible for the majority of earthquakes in the region. Transform boundaries occur when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing stress and resulting in earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault is a well-known example of this type of boundary, where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate are sliding past each other.Rate this question:
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- 6.
New ocean crust is formed at ___________________ .
- A.
Divergent boundaries
- B.
Convergent boundaries
- C.
Continental volcanic arcs
- D.
Transform fault boundaries
Correct Answer
A. Divergent boundariesExplanation
an example of divergent boundaries is seafloor spreading which occurs at a boundary between 2 plantes, most commonly in the atlantic ocean between the US and Europe. This divergent boundary is what seperated the continents millions of years ago. Would this be considered a Rift Valley?????Rate this question:
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- 7.
Briefly explain the theory of plate tectonics.
- 8.
According to the plate tectonic theory, what is a plate?
- 9.
What are the three main types of plate boundaries. Use bullets to explain each. Please include if lithospheric crust is made or destroyed or neither.
- 10.
What kind of boundary is occurring at # 8?
- A.
Transform fault boundary
- B.
Convergent boundary
- C.
Divergent boundary
Correct Answer
B. Convergent boundaryExplanation
A convergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates collide and move towards each other. This collision can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. In this case, since the question is asking about the type of boundary occurring at #8, the correct answer would be a convergent boundary.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The process taking place at # 9 is ______________.
- A.
Sedimentation
- B.
Subduction
- C.
Law of superposition
Correct Answer
B. SubductionExplanation
The process taking place at #9 is subduction. Subduction is a geological process where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate into the Earth's mantle. This process occurs at convergent plate boundaries, where two plates collide. The subducting plate is usually denser and sinks into the mantle, causing volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Why is the oceanic lithosphere being subducted under the continental lithosphere. Explain.
- 13.
Take a look at this IMAGE. What is taking place at the boundary between the Oceanic Crust and the Continental Crust ?
- A.
Seafloor spreading
- B.
Subduction
- C.
New volcano being formed
Correct Answer
B. SubductionExplanation
At the boundary between the Oceanic Crust and the Continental Crust, subduction is taking place. Subduction occurs when the denser oceanic crust is forced beneath the less dense continental crust. This process is a result of plate tectonics and leads to the formation of deep-sea trenches and volcanic activity.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The deep interior of the Earth can be mapped using
- A.
Seismic waves
- B.
Sonar
- C.
Information from drilling expeditions
- D.
Ocean waves
Correct Answer
A. Seismic wavesExplanation
Seismic waves are the correct answer because they are the primary tool used to map the deep interior of the Earth. Seismic waves are generated by earthquakes or artificially created explosions, and they travel through the Earth's layers. By analyzing the speed, direction, and intensity of these waves as they propagate through the Earth, scientists can gain valuable information about the composition, density, and structure of the Earth's interior. This technique, known as seismic tomography, allows us to create detailed maps of the Earth's interior and understand its geological processes. Sonar, information from drilling expeditions, and ocean waves are not suitable for mapping the deep interior of the Earth.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Take a look at this diagram. Which boundary does this represent?
- A.
Transform fault
- B.
Convergent
- C.
Divergent
Correct Answer
B. ConvergentExplanation
The diagram represents a convergent boundary. In a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates are moving towards each other. This movement causes the plates to collide or subduct, resulting in the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. The diagram may show the collision or subduction of two plates, indicating a convergent boundary.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Take a look at this diagram. What type of boundary does this represent?
- A.
Divergent
- B.
Transform-fault
- C.
Convergent
Correct Answer
C. ConvergentExplanation
The diagram represents a convergent boundary. In this type of boundary, two tectonic plates collide and move towards each other. This collision can result in the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, and the creation of trenches or subduction zones.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Take a look at this Image. Based upon the evidence presented, which of the following is closer to the surface and is probably cooler in nature.
- A.
Mantle
- B.
Core
- C.
Aesthenosphere
Correct Answer
C. AesthenosphereExplanation
Based on the evidence presented in the image, the aesthenosphere is closer to the surface and is probably cooler in nature. The image suggests a layered structure of the Earth, with the crust on top, followed by the mantle, and then the core. The aesthenosphere is a part of the upper mantle and is located just below the lithosphere, which is the rigid outer layer of the Earth's crust. Since the aesthenosphere is closer to the surface compared to the mantle and core, it is more likely to be cooler in temperature.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Take a look at this image. Based upon what you see, What type(s) of boundaries are being displayed?
- A.
Transform-fault
- B.
Convergent
- C.
Divergent
Correct Answer(s)
B. Convergent
C. DivergentExplanation
The image shows two plates coming together and colliding, which indicates a convergent boundary. Additionally, there is evidence of plates moving apart, suggesting a divergent boundary. Therefore, both convergent and divergent boundaries are being displayed in the image.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Why is it RARE that volcanoes form along transform boundaries?
- A.
No new magma is formed
- B.
Transform boundaries tend to be cooler than convergent boundaries
- C.
The oceanic crust is thicker than continental crust
Correct Answer
A. No new magma is formedExplanation
Volcanoes form when magma rises to the surface through cracks in the Earth's crust. Transform boundaries are areas where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, without creating or destroying crust. Unlike convergent boundaries where one plate is forced beneath another, transform boundaries do not provide the conditions necessary for magma generation. Therefore, it is rare for volcanoes to form along transform boundaries because no new magma is formed in these areas.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Take a look at this diagram. What boundary type does this represent?
- A.
Divergent
- B.
Convergent
- C.
Transform-fault
Correct Answer
C. Transform-faultExplanation
The diagram represents a transform-fault boundary. This type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. It is characterized by a fault line where the plates are moving in opposite directions, causing friction and sometimes resulting in earthquakes. This boundary does not involve the creation or destruction of crust, unlike divergent and convergent boundaries.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Take a look at this image. Based upon what you see, choose the answers(s) that best describe characteristics of this image.
- A.
Seafloor spreading
- B.
Mid-ocean ridge
- C.
Older rocks are at the extreme left and right away from the ridge
- D.
The magnetic poles of the ocean crust have reversed several times
- E.
This is a convergent boundary
- F.
This is a divergent boundary
- G.
This is a transform-fault boundary
Correct Answer(s)
A. Seafloor spreading
B. Mid-ocean ridge
C. Older rocks are at the extreme left and right away from the ridge
D. The magnetic poles of the ocean crust have reversed several times
F. This is a divergent boundaryExplanation
The image shows a mid-ocean ridge, which is a characteristic feature of seafloor spreading. The presence of older rocks at the extreme left and right away from the ridge suggests that new crust is being formed at the ridge and older crust is moving away from it. The statement about the magnetic poles of the ocean crust reversing several times is supported by the presence of magnetic anomalies along the ridge. Additionally, the image shows a clear separation of the crust on either side of the ridge, indicating a divergent boundary where the crust is moving apart.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Take a look at this Image. Please discuss briefly the concept of Radiation.
- 23.
By looking and analyzing the movment of Convection currents, EXPLAIN how crust movements can occur. Please include at least 2 examples of boundaries that are created.
- 24.
Which plate does a large percentage of the US sit upon?
- A.
Atlantic Plate
- B.
North American Plate
- C.
Pacific plate
Correct Answer
B. North American PlateExplanation
The North American Plate is the correct answer because it covers a significant portion of the United States. It is one of the major tectonic plates that makes up the Earth's crust and is responsible for the geological activity in the region. The North American Plate extends from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean to the western coast of North America, including most of the United States. This plate is involved in various geological processes such as the formation of mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanic activity in the region.Rate this question:
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.jpg "The process taking place at # 9 is ______________.")
.jpg "Why is the oceanic lithosphere being subducted under the continental lithosphere. Explain.")
.jpg "Take a look at this image. Based upon what you see, What type(s) of boundaries are being displayed?")
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