Chapter 17 - Plate Tectonics

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  • 1/20 Questions

    What is the super continent where all of the continents were once connected together called?

    • Island
    • Continent
    • Pangea
    • Megacontinent
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About This Quiz

This test includes subjects includes: The Theory of Seafloor Spreading, The THoery of Continental Drift, The Theory of Plate Tectonics and The Layeres of the Earth.

Plate Tectonics Quizzes & Trivia

Quiz Preview

  • 2. 

    The Earth's outer most layer.

    • Crust

    • Upper Mantle

    • Lower Mantle

    • Core

    Correct Answer
    A. Crust
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Crust." The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth. It is a thin layer that forms the Earth's surface and is composed of solid rock. The crust is divided into two types: continental crust, which is thicker and less dense, and oceanic crust, which is thinner and more dense. The crust is where we find the Earth's landforms, such as mountains, valleys, and plains. It is also where we find the Earth's soil and where most of the Earth's life exists.

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  • 3. 

    Which German meteorologist first proposed the Theory of Continental Drift in 1912?

    • Henry Hess

    • Gregor Mendel

    • Alfred Weneger

    • George Washington

    Correct Answer
    A. Alfred Weneger
    Explanation
    Alfred Wegener is the correct answer because he was a German meteorologist who first proposed the Theory of Continental Drift in 1912. He argued that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and over time, they drifted apart to their current positions. Wegener's theory was initially met with skepticism but later became widely accepted with the development of the theory of plate tectonics.

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  • 4. 

    The theory that states that the Earth's crust is divided into approximately twelve tectonic plates is the ________________.

    • Theory of Seafloor Spreading

    • The Theory of Plates

    • Theory of Continental Drift

    • Theory of Plate Tectonics

    Correct Answer
    A. Theory of Plate Tectonics
    Explanation
    The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth's crust is divided into approximately twelve tectonic plates. This theory explains how the Earth's lithosphere is broken into separate plates that move and interact with each other. It also provides an explanation for various geological phenomena, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The theory of plate tectonics is widely accepted in the scientific community and has greatly contributed to our understanding of the Earth's dynamic processes.

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  • 5. 

    What is the theory that explains the formation, movement, and destruction of the ocean floor?

    • Theory of Continental Drift

    • Theory of Seafloor Spreading

    • Theory of Plate Tectonics

    • Theory of Glacier Formation

    Correct Answer
    A. Theory of Seafloor Spreading
    Explanation
    The theory of seafloor spreading explains the formation, movement, and destruction of the ocean floor. According to this theory, new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates diverge and magma rises to the surface. As the new crust forms, older crust is pushed away from the ridge, causing the ocean floor to spread. This process also contributes to the movement of the continents, as the oceanic crust carries them along. Eventually, the oceanic crust is subducted back into the mantle at deep-sea trenches, completing the cycle of formation, movement, and destruction of the ocean floor.

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  • 6. 

    This type of crust is light in color, mostly granitic in nature, and averages between 25 and 70 km thick.

    • Continental Crust

    • Oceanic Crust

    Correct Answer
    A. Continental Crust
    Explanation
    Continental crust is the correct answer because it is known to be light in color, mostly granitic in nature, and has an average thickness ranging from 25 to 70 km. This type of crust is found beneath the continents and is less dense compared to oceanic crust. It is composed of various types of rocks, including granite, and is generally older than oceanic crust.

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  • 7. 

    The places at the continental margins where crust is pulled/ pushed beneath another body of crust is a  _____________.

    • Deep Sea Trench

    • Mid-Ocean Ridge

    • Contintental Crust

    • Subduction Zone

    Correct Answer
    A. Subduction Zone
    Explanation
    A subduction zone is a place at the continental margins where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate. This process occurs when two plates collide, and the denser plate is pushed beneath the less dense plate. As the denser plate sinks into the mantle, it creates a deep-sea trench and can cause volcanic activity. This is a key process in plate tectonics and the formation of various landforms, such as mountain ranges and volcanic arcs.

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  • 8. 

    The __________ is where magma rises in the ocean, creating new crust.

    • Mid-Ocean Ridge

    • Subduction Zone

    • Deep Sea Trench

    • Mantle

    Correct Answer
    A. Mid-Ocean Ridge
    Explanation
    The Mid-Ocean Ridge is the correct answer because it is a geological feature where magma rises in the ocean, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading, where molten rock from the mantle is pushed up through cracks in the oceanic crust, forming new crust as it cools and solidifies. The Mid-Ocean Ridge is the longest mountain range on Earth and is responsible for the formation of new oceanic crust.

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  • 9. 

    The down - outward push created by the uplift of the mid-ocean ridge is called the _______________.

    • Friction/Drag

    • Slab-Pull

    • Ridge Push

    • Erosion

    Correct Answer
    A. Ridge Push
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Ridge Push. This term refers to the downward and outward force exerted by the uplift of the mid-ocean ridge. As new crust is formed at the ridge, it pushes the older crust away, causing a pushing force towards the edges of the ridge. This ridge push is one of the driving forces behind plate tectonics and the movement of lithospheric plates.

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  • 10. 

    This part of the core is in the liquid state doue to very high pressure and temperatures as well as the presence of a significant amount of sulfer.

    • Outer Core

    • Inner Core

    Correct Answer
    A. Outer Core
    Explanation
    The outer core is in a liquid state due to the combination of high pressure and temperatures, as well as the presence of a significant amount of sulfur. The high pressure and temperatures cause the materials in the outer core to melt and become liquid. Additionally, the presence of sulfur lowers the melting point of the materials, allowing them to remain in a liquid state despite the high temperatures.

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  • 11. 

    This layer has two parts and is 2900km thick.

    • Crust

    • Mantle

    • Core

    • Earth

    Correct Answer
    A. Mantle
    Explanation
    The mantle is the layer of the Earth that lies between the crust and the core. It is divided into two parts, the upper mantle and the lower mantle, and it is approximately 2900km thick. The upper mantle is composed of solid rock, while the lower mantle is under extreme pressure and temperature, causing the rock to flow like a thick liquid. The mantle plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates and the convection currents that drive plate tectonics.

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  • 12. 

    This Layer of the Earth is composed of a solid iron - nickle alloy.

    • Outer Core

    • Inner Core

    • Mantle

    • Crust

    Correct Answer
    A. Inner Core
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Inner Core. The inner core is composed of a solid iron-nickel alloy. It is the innermost layer of the Earth, located beneath the outer core. The extreme pressure at the center of the Earth causes the iron-nickel alloy to be solid despite the high temperatures. The inner core plays a crucial role in the Earth's magnetic field generation and contributes to the overall structure and dynamics of our planet.

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  • 13. 

    Which Theory states theat the continents drift across that surface of the Earth by plowing their way throught the seafloor called?

    • Theory of Continental Drift

    • Theory of Seafloor Spreading

    • Theory of Plate Tectonics

    • Theory of the Water Cycle

    Correct Answer
    A. Theory of Continental Drift
    Explanation
    The Theory of Continental Drift states that the continents drift across the surface of the Earth by plowing their way through the seafloor called. This theory was proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century and suggests that the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea and have since moved apart to their current positions. This theory explains the similarities in fossils, rock formations, and mountain ranges found on different continents, as well as the matching coastlines of South America and Africa.

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  • 14. 

    This is the downward force creatd when the weight of the leaning edge of the crust undergoes subduction.

    • Slab-Pull

    • Friction

    • Drag

    • Ridge Push

    Correct Answer
    A. Slab-Pull
    Explanation
    Slab-Pull is the correct answer because it refers to the downward force created when the weight of the leaning edge of the crust undergoes subduction. This force is caused by the denser oceanic lithosphere sinking into the asthenosphere, pulling the rest of the tectonic plate along with it. Slab-Pull is one of the main driving forces behind plate tectonics and plays a significant role in the movement of tectonic plates.

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  • 15. 

    This part of the Mantle is composed of very dense, hot rock.

    • Lower Mantle

    • Upper Mantle

    Correct Answer
    A. Upper Mantle
    Explanation
    The upper mantle is composed of very dense, hot rock. This layer is located beneath the Earth's crust and extends to a depth of about 670 kilometers. It is made up of solid rock that is capable of flowing very slowly over long periods of time. The upper mantle plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates and the convection currents that drive plate tectonics. It is also responsible for the transfer of heat from the Earth's core to the surface.

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  • 16. 

    What is the boundary that seperates the core and the mantle?

    • The Mohorovicic Discontinuity

    • The Lithosphere

    • The Aesthenosphere

    • The Gutnenburg Discontinuity

    Correct Answer
    A. The Gutnenburg Discontinuity
    Explanation
    The Gutnenburg Discontinuity is the correct answer because it refers to the boundary that separates the core and the mantle of the Earth. This boundary is located approximately 2,900 kilometers below the Earth's surface and is characterized by a significant change in seismic wave velocities. The Gutnenburg Discontinuity is named after the German geophysicist Beno Gutenberg, who first discovered it in the early 20th century.

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  • 17. 

    This is what the scientists theorize is the source of the Earth's Magnetic Field.

    • Lower Mantle

    • Outer Core

    • Crust

    • Inner Core

    Correct Answer
    A. Outer Core
    Explanation
    The outer core is believed to be the source of the Earth's magnetic field. It is a layer of molten iron and nickel that surrounds the solid inner core. The movement of this liquid metal creates electric currents, which in turn generate a magnetic field. This theory is supported by the fact that the Earth's magnetic field is aligned with its axis of rotation, suggesting that it is generated deep within the Earth. Additionally, measurements of the magnetic field show that it is strongest near the surface, which is consistent with the outer core being the source.

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  • 18. 

    What is the boundary between the crust and the mantle

    • The Lithospere

    • The Gutenburg Discontinuity

    • The Mohorovicic Discontinuity

    • The Asthenosphere

    Correct Answer
    A. The Mohorovicic Discontinuity
    Explanation
    The Mohorovicic Discontinuity is the correct answer because it refers to the boundary between the crust and the mantle. It is named after the Croatian seismologist Andrija Mohorovicic, who discovered this boundary in 1909. The Mohorovicic Discontinuity marks a significant change in seismic wave velocities, indicating the transition from the solid crust to the underlying mantle. This boundary is important for understanding the structure and composition of the Earth's interior.

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  • 19. 

    Which is NOT a reason why Wegener's Theory was no accepted by the Scientific Establishment?

    • He couln't provide a mechanism by which continental drift occured.

    • Similar Fossil species could have crossed now submerged land bridges.

    • The coasts of the continents seemed to fit together.

    • Most scientists felt that the continents wee too large to move and that they were anchored firmly in place.

    Correct Answer
    A. The coasts of the continents seemed to fit together.
    Explanation
    Wegener's Theory proposed that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and had drifted apart over time. However, one of the reasons why his theory was not accepted by the Scientific Establishment was that he couldn't provide a mechanism by which continental drift occurred. This lack of a plausible explanation hindered the acceptance of his theory, despite other supporting evidence such as similar fossil species found on different continents and the apparent fit of the coastlines.

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  • 20. 

    This marks the boundary between two regions of the interior of Earth.

    • Boundary Line

    • Contour Line

    • Regional Line

    • Discontinuity

    Correct Answer
    A. Discontinuity
    Explanation
    The term "discontinuity" refers to a boundary or transition between two different regions or layers within the interior of the Earth. These regions could have distinct physical properties such as density, composition, or seismic wave velocities. Discontinuities can be caused by various factors, including changes in mineral composition, temperature, or pressure. They play a crucial role in understanding the structure and composition of the Earth's interior and are often used as markers to define different layers within the planet. Therefore, "discontinuity" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the boundary between two regions of the Earth's interior.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 30, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Curtman7
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