Plate Tectonics Trivia Questions - 2
This test covers Activities 1,2,3 of Ch. 2 on Plate tectonics. This is a two part test. The first part is 15 multiple choice questions and the second part is an essay. You may only use your homework to assist you. Good luck!
- 1.
The outermost, rigid layer of the Earth, consisting of the Earth's crust and part of the upper mantle is the ____________
- A.
Biosphere
- B.
Lithosphere
- C.
Atmosphere
- D.
Athenosphere
Correct Answer
B. LithosphereExplanation
The lithosphere is the correct answer because it refers to the outermost, rigid layer of the Earth, which includes the Earth's crust and a portion of the upper mantle. The biosphere refers to all living organisms on Earth, the atmosphere refers to the layer of gases surrounding the planet, and the asthenosphere refers to the partially molten layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere.Rate this question:
-
- 2.
What is the density of a material that has a mass of 27 grams and a volume of 9.0 mL?
- A.
.33 g/mL
- B.
243 g/mL
- C.
36 g/mL
- D.
3 g/mL
Correct Answer
D. 3 g/mLExplanation
The density of a material is calculated by dividing its mass by its volume. In this case, the mass is given as 27 grams and the volume is given as 9.0 mL. Dividing 27 grams by 9.0 mL gives us a density of 3 g/mL.Rate this question:
-
- 3.
If you used the theory of plate tectonics to predict the most likely place for the next earthquake or volcanic eruption, you should predict that it is most likely to occur:
- A.
Along boundaries between colliding lithospheric plates
- B.
Where one has not happened in at least 10 million years
- C.
In the interior of any continent
- D.
Where a continental lithospheric plate is being subducted beneath an oceanic lithospheric plate
Correct Answer
A. Along boundaries between colliding lithospheric platesExplanation
The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that are constantly moving. The boundaries between these plates are where most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. This is because the movement of the plates creates stress and friction, leading to the release of energy in the form of earthquakes or the melting of rocks, causing volcanic eruptions. Therefore, if one were to use the theory of plate tectonics to predict the most likely place for the next earthquake or volcanic eruption, it would be along boundaries between colliding lithospheric plates.Rate this question:
-
- 4.
The theory of continental drift did not adequately account for which of the following?
- A.
Why similar rock types were found on continents separated by oceans
- B.
Why similar fossils were found on continents separated by oceans
- C.
Why continents drifted across the Earth's surface
- D.
Why the coastlines of some continents appeared to fit together
Correct Answer
C. Why continents drifted across the Earth's surfaceExplanation
The theory of continental drift did not adequately account for why continents drifted across the Earth's surface. While the theory proposed that continents moved over time, it did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the mechanism behind this movement. It was not until the development of the theory of plate tectonics that a more comprehensive understanding of continental drift and the movement of Earth's crustal plates was achieved.Rate this question:
-
- 5.
True or False: The continental drift theory is an absolute accurate description of why the Earth's surface has changed over time.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The continental drift theory is not an absolute accurate description of why the Earth's surface has changed over time. While the theory proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century was a significant advancement in understanding the movement of continents, it has undergone further refinement and modification since then. The theory of plate tectonics, which incorporates the concept of continental drift, provides a more comprehensive explanation for the Earth's surface changes. It takes into account the movement of not only continents but also the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several large plates that interact with each other.Rate this question:
-
- 6.
True or False: The theory of plate tectonics is an absolute accurate description of why the Earth's surface has changed over time.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The theory of plate tectonics is not an absolute accurate description of why the Earth's surface has changed over time. While plate tectonics provides a framework for understanding the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and the resulting geological features such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, it does not fully explain all surface changes. Other factors such as erosion, weathering, and climate change also play significant roles in shaping the Earth's surface over time.Rate this question:
-
- 7.
What happens when an oceanic plate (plate carrying ocean) collides with a continental plate (plate carrying land)?
- A.
The oceanic plate will subduct
- B.
The continental plate will subduct
- C.
A rift valley will forms in the continental plate
Correct Answer
A. The oceanic plate will subductExplanation
When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the oceanic plate, being denser, will subduct or sink beneath the continental plate. This process occurs at subduction zones, where the oceanic crust is forced beneath the less dense continental crust. As the oceanic plate subducts, it can cause volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges on the continental plate.Rate this question:
-
- 8.
What happens when two continental plate diverge?
- A.
The continental plate will subduct
- B.
A rift valley will form
- C.
A hot spot will occur
Correct Answer
B. A rift valley will formExplanation
When two continental plates diverge, it means that they are moving away from each other. This movement creates tension and causes the lithosphere to stretch and thin. As a result, a rift valley forms between the two plates. This process is known as continental rifting and can eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean basin. The formation of a rift valley is a common occurrence in areas such as the East African Rift System.Rate this question:
-
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
-
Current Version
-
Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Mar 26, 2010Quiz Created by
Ms.garcia
Back to top