Unit 4: Crustal Features

1. What is the lithosphere?

A layer of the Earth's core responsible for generating the planet's magnetic field.

A layer of the atmosphere located close to the Earth's surface.

A rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust.

A type of rock formed from the cooling of magma below the Earth's surface.

The lithosphere is a rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust, not to be confused with other layers of the Earth such as the atmosphere, specific rock types, or the Earth's core.

Explanation

The lithosphere is a rigid layer made up of the uppermost part of the mantle and the crust, not to be confused with other layers of the Earth such as the atmosphere, specific rock types, or the Earth's core.

2. What is plate tectonics?

A type of dinnerware commonly used in restaurants.

The theory that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.

A method of studying different types of rocks in geology.

The process of creating new land through volcanic eruptions.

Plate tectonics refers to the movement of Earth's lithosphere due to convection currents in the mantle, not related to dinnerware or rock study methods.

Explanation

Plate tectonics refers to the movement of Earth's lithosphere due to convection currents in the mantle, not related to dinnerware or rock study methods.

3. What is continental drift?

The theory that the continents are drifting toward each other at a rapid pace.

The hypothesis that the continents slowly move across Earth's surface.

The idea that the continents are fixed in place and do not move.

The concept that the continents are sinking below the ocean's surface.

Continental drift is the scientific theory that describes the movement of the Earth's continents over time due to the shifting of tectonic plates.

Explanation

Continental drift is the scientific theory that describes the movement of the Earth's continents over time due to the shifting of tectonic plates.

4. What is a convergent boundary?

A plate boundary where two plates move toward each other.

A plate boundary where two plates move apart from each other.

A plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

A boundary where two plates do not move relative to each other.

Convergent boundaries are characterized by plates moving towards each other, leading to subduction zones, mountain formation, and seismic activity.

Explanation

Convergent boundaries are characterized by plates moving towards each other, leading to subduction zones, mountain formation, and seismic activity.

5. What is a divergent boundary?

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other.

A plate boundary where two plates move in opposite directions.

A plate boundary where two plates move parallel to each other.

A plate boundary where two plates collide with each other.

A divergent boundary is characterized by plates moving away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Explanation

A divergent boundary is characterized by plates moving away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

6. What is a transform boundary?

A plate boundary where two plates move past each other in opposite directions.

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other.

A plate boundary where two plates move towards each other.

A plate boundary where two plates remain stationary.

A transform boundary is characterized by the horizontal movement of two tectonic plates in opposite directions along a fault line.

Explanation

A transform boundary is characterized by the horizontal movement of two tectonic plates in opposite directions along a fault line.