Pangaea And Plate Tectonics: Quiz!
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
Who came up with the theory of continental drift?
- A.
Albert Lovera
- B.
Albert Einstein
- C.
Alfred Wegener
- D.
Arecio D'Ettorre
Correct Answer
C. Alfred WegenerExplanation
Alfred Wegener is the correct answer because he was the geophysicist and meteorologist who proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century. He suggested that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea and have since drifted apart. This theory revolutionized our understanding of Earth's geology and laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Pangaea was/is
- A.
A large pancake
- B.
The landmasses of today
- C.
The super-continent of the past
- D.
The super-ocean of the past
Correct Answer
C. The super-continent of the pastExplanation
Pangaea refers to the super-continent that existed millions of years ago. It was a massive landmass that included all of the continents we know today, fused together as one. Over time, Pangaea broke apart and the continents drifted to their current positions. This theory of continental drift helps explain the similarities in fossils and geological features found on different continents.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When Wegener placed the landmasses together, mountain ranges on ______________ and _______________ lined up.
- A.
South America and Asia
- B.
South America and North America
- C.
South America and Africa
- D.
Europe and Australia
Correct Answer
C. South America and AfricaExplanation
When Wegener placed the landmasses together, mountain ranges on South America and Africa lined up. This suggests that these two continents were once connected and were part of a larger landmass called Pangaea. The alignment of the mountain ranges provides evidence for the theory of continental drift, which states that the continents have moved over time due to the movement of tectonic plates.Rate this question:
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- 4.
A plant called _____________________ was found on widely separated landmasses.
- A.
Obsenterius
- B.
Glossopteris
- C.
Mesosaurus
- D.
Fernatius
Correct Answer
B. GlossopterisExplanation
The correct answer is glossopteris. Glossopteris is a plant that existed during the Permian period and was found on widely separated landmasses, including Antarctica, South America, Africa, India, and Australia. This distribution pattern is significant because it supports the theory of continental drift, suggesting that these landmasses were once connected as part of the supercontinent Gondwana. The presence of glossopteris fossils in these regions provides evidence for the movement and separation of these landmasses over millions of years.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Was Wegener's theory ever accepted?
- A.
No, wasn't, not even today.
- B.
Yes, finally in the 1920s when he was on his death bed.
- C.
Yes, but not till after he died
- D.
Yes, he became a millionaire and was very famous.
Correct Answer
C. Yes, but not till after he diedExplanation
Wegener's theory of continental drift was initially met with skepticism and was not widely accepted during his lifetime. However, after his death in 1930, further evidence and research supported his theory, eventually leading to its acceptance in the scientific community. Therefore, the correct answer states that Wegener's theory was accepted, but not until after he died.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Earth's crust is broken into pieces called?
- A.
Crustal pieces
- B.
Plates
- C.
Cooled mantle
- D.
Continents
Correct Answer
B. PlatesExplanation
The Earth's crust is broken into pieces called plates. These plates are huge sections of the Earth's lithosphere that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere below. The movement of these plates is responsible for various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains. The theory of plate tectonics explains how these plates interact with each other, constantly shifting and colliding, which has shaped the Earth's surface over millions of years.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What is the theory of plate tectonics?
- A.
It states that pieces of the Earth's crust are moving very slowly
- B.
It states that pieces of the Earth's crust are moving quickly
- C.
It states that the Earth's crust is solid and unbroken
- D.
It states that pieces of the Earth's crust are shaped like puzzle pieces
Correct Answer
A. It states that pieces of the Earth's crust are moving very slowlyExplanation
The theory of plate tectonics states that pieces of the Earth's crust are moving very slowly. This theory explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large and small plates that are constantly moving and interacting with each other. These plates can collide, slide past each other, or move apart, causing various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The movement of the Earth's crust is a gradual and continuous process that occurs over millions of years.Rate this question:
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- 8.
____________________ are what happen when plates rub past each other and cause friction.
- A.
Volcanoes
- B.
Earthquakes
- C.
Hot spots
- D.
Seafloor spreadings
Correct Answer
B. EarthquakesExplanation
Earthquakes are the result of plates rubbing past each other and causing friction. When tectonic plates, which make up the Earth's crust, move and grind against each other, it creates a build-up of stress and pressure. Eventually, this pressure is released in the form of seismic waves, resulting in an earthquake. These seismic waves can cause shaking of the ground and can range in intensity from mild tremors to destructive quakes. Therefore, earthquakes are the direct consequence of the interaction between tectonic plates.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A divergent boundary is when two plates:
- A.
Come together
- B.
Move apart
- C.
Slip past each other
- D.
Move in the same direction
Correct Answer
B. Move apartExplanation
A divergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two plates move apart from each other. This movement creates a gap or space between the plates, allowing magma from the mantle to rise and create new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and is responsible for the formation of mid-ocean ridges. As the plates move apart, they create tensional forces that result in volcanic activity and the formation of new crust. Therefore, the correct answer is "move apart."Rate this question:
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- 10.
The mid-Atlantic ridge occurs along a _______________.
- A.
Convergent boundary
- B.
Divergent boundary
- C.
Transform boundary
- D.
Hot spot
Correct Answer
B. Divergent boundaryExplanation
The mid-Atlantic ridge occurs along a divergent boundary. Divergent boundaries are characterized by the separation of tectonic plates, causing new crust to form from magma rising to the surface. In the case of the mid-Atlantic ridge, the Eurasian and North American plates are moving away from each other, creating a gap where magma rises and forms new crust. This process leads to the formation of the ridge, which runs along the center of the Atlantic Ocean.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What process adds new crust?
- A.
Earthquakes
- B.
Subduction
- C.
Seafloor spreading
- D.
Mountains
Correct Answer
C. Seafloor spreadingExplanation
Seafloor spreading is the process that adds new crust to the Earth's surface. This occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates are moving apart, allowing magma to rise from the mantle and solidify, creating new oceanic crust. As the new crust forms, it pushes the older crust away from the ridge, causing the seafloor to spread. This process is responsible for the continuous renewal of the oceanic crust and plays a crucial role in plate tectonics and the formation of new landforms on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 12.
A rift valley is where:
- A.
Two oceanic plates pull apart
- B.
Two oceanic plates come together
- C.
Two continental plates pull apart
- D.
Two continental plates come together
Correct Answer
C. Two continental plates pull apartExplanation
A rift valley is formed when two continental plates pull apart. This process is known as continental rifting, where the lithosphere is stretched and thinned, causing the crust to crack and create a linear depression. As the plates continue to move apart, magma rises to fill the gap, forming new crust and eventually leading to the formation of a rift valley. This process can eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean basin if the rifting continues and is accompanied by seafloor spreading.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Subduction is when:
- A.
An oceanic plate collides with another oceanic plate
- B.
A continental plate slides below an oceanic plate
- C.
An oceanic plate slides above a continental plate
- D.
An oceanic plate slides below a continental plate
Correct Answer
D. An oceanic plate slides below a continental plateExplanation
Subduction is the process in which an oceanic plate slides below a continental plate. This occurs when the denser oceanic plate sinks beneath the less dense continental plate due to gravitational forces. As the oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it can cause volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges on the continental plate. This process is responsible for the creation of deep-sea trenches and is a key mechanism in plate tectonics.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The process that continually adds new crust is:
- A.
Subduction
- B.
Earthquakes
- C.
Sea-floor spreading
- D.
Convection
Correct Answer
C. Sea-floor spreadingExplanation
Sea-floor spreading is the process that continually adds new crust to the Earth's surface. This occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates move apart and molten rock rises to fill the gap. As the molten rock cools and solidifies, it forms new oceanic crust, pushing the existing crust away from the ridge. This process not only adds new crust but also helps in the recycling of old crust through subduction zones. Therefore, sea-floor spreading is the correct answer as it describes the continuous creation of new crust.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The ring of fire is a ring of volcanoes and earthquakes that occur along:
- A.
The mid-ocean ridge
- B.
Plate boundaries
- C.
Hot spots
- D.
Only transform boundaries
Correct Answer
B. Plate boundariesExplanation
The ring of fire refers to a region where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. These events are primarily concentrated along plate boundaries, where tectonic plates interact with each other. The movement and collision of these plates result in the formation of volcanic activity and seismic events. Therefore, plate boundaries are the correct answer as they encompass various types of plate interactions, such as convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries, which contribute to the formation of the ring of fire.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Where two plates rub past each other in opposite directions is a
- A.
Convergent boundary
- B.
Transform boundary
- C.
Hot spot
- D.
Divergent boundary
Correct Answer
B. Transform boundaryExplanation
A transform boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally in opposite directions. This movement causes friction and pressure to build up, leading to earthquakes. Unlike convergent boundaries where plates collide or divergent boundaries where plates move apart, transform boundaries do not result in the creation or destruction of crust. Instead, they are characterized by the lateral movement of the plates.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The place where two plates collide is called a
- A.
Transform boundary
- B.
Hot spot
- C.
Divergent boundary
- D.
Convergent boundary
Correct Answer
D. Convergent boundaryExplanation
A convergent boundary is the place where two tectonic plates collide. This collision can result in the formation of mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanic activity. The plates involved in a convergent boundary can either be oceanic plates or continental plates. When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate in a process called subduction. This can lead to the formation of trenches and volcanic arcs. When two continental plates collide, neither plate is subducted, but instead, they crumple and fold, forming mountain ranges.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The place where two plates move apart is called a
- A.
Divergent boundary
- B.
Hot spot
- C.
Convergent boundary
- D.
Transform boundary
Correct Answer
A. Divergent boundaryExplanation
A divergent boundary is the correct answer because it refers to the place where two tectonic plates move apart from each other. This movement creates a gap that allows magma from the mantle to rise, leading to the formation of new crust. Divergent boundaries are commonly found along mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is created, and also in continental rift zones, where new landforms like rift valleys can form.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Subduction is when
- A.
Earthquakes occur along a transform boundary
- B.
New crust is formed
- C.
One plate slides under another
- D.
New islands are formed
Correct Answer
C. One plate slides under anotherExplanation
The correct answer is "one plate slides under another." Subduction refers to the process where one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate at a convergent boundary. This occurs when one plate is denser and heavier than the other, causing it to sink into the mantle. Subduction zones are often associated with the formation of volcanic arcs and trenches, as well as the occurrence of earthquakes.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The mid-ocean ridge occurs along a
- A.
Convergent boundary where new crust is formed
- B.
Transform boundary where crust is subducted
- C.
Divergent boundary where sea-floor spreading takes place
- D.
Divergent boundary where subduction takes place
Correct Answer
C. Divergent boundary where sea-floor spreading takes placeExplanation
The correct answer is divergent boundary where sea-floor spreading takes place. This is because the mid-ocean ridge is a long chain of mountains that runs through the center of the ocean basins. It is formed by the upwelling of magma from the mantle, which creates new crust and pushes the existing crust apart. This process is known as sea-floor spreading and occurs at divergent boundaries, where two tectonic plates move away from each other.Rate this question:
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- 21.
The theory that states that pieces of Earth's crust are in constant, slow motion driven by movement in the mantle is called
- A.
The theory of continental drift
- B.
The theory of Pangaea
- C.
The theory of plate tectonics
- D.
The theory of plate boundaries
Correct Answer
C. The theory of plate tectonicsExplanation
The theory of plate tectonics is the correct answer because it explains the movement of Earth's crust through the interaction of lithospheric plates. These plates are constantly moving and interacting with each other due to convection currents in the underlying mantle. This theory also explains various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The theory of continental drift, on the other hand, proposed that the continents were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea, but it does not account for the mechanism of plate movement. The theory of plate boundaries is not a comprehensive explanation for the motion of Earth's crust.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The theory that continents are slowly moving over Earth's surface is called
- A.
The theory of Pangaea
- B.
The theory of continental drift
- C.
The theory of plate boundaries
- D.
The theory of plate tectonics
Correct Answer
B. The theory of continental driftExplanation
The theory of continental drift explains that the continents are not fixed in place but rather slowly moving over Earth's surface. 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 drifted apart. The theory of continental drift provides a framework for understanding the formation of mountain ranges, the distribution of fossils, and the occurrence of earthquakes and volcanic activity. It has been widely accepted and further developed into the theory of plate tectonics.Rate this question:
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- 23.
When two continental plates pull apart a ________________________ forms
- A.
Subduction zone
- B.
Mountain range
- C.
Earthquake
- D.
Rift valley
Correct Answer
D. Rift valleyExplanation
When two continental plates pull apart, a rift valley forms. This occurs because the tension between the plates causes the lithosphere to crack and create a long, narrow depression. As the plates continue to separate, magma rises from the asthenosphere and fills the gap, creating new crust. Over time, this process can lead to the formation of a new ocean basin. Rift valleys are typically characterized by steep walls and a flat floor, and they are often associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Oceanic crust is ____________________ than continental crust
- A.
Less dense
- B.
More dense
- C.
Less hot
- D.
More hot
Correct Answer
B. More denseExplanation
Oceanic crust is more dense than continental crust because it is composed mainly of basalt, which is a denser rock compared to the granite that makes up continental crust. Basalt is formed from solidified lava and contains heavy minerals such as iron and magnesium, contributing to its higher density. In contrast, granite is a lighter rock composed of lighter minerals such as quartz and feldspar. The difference in density between oceanic and continental crust is one of the factors that leads to the formation of ocean basins and the uplift of continents.Rate this question:
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- 25.
Continental crust is ______________________ than oceanic crust
- A.
Hotter
- B.
Colder
- C.
Thicker
- D.
Thinner
Correct Answer
C. ThickerExplanation
Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust because it is composed of lighter materials, such as granite, which are less dense than the basaltic rocks that make up the oceanic crust. The continental crust is also older and has undergone more geological processes, such as mountain building, which has contributed to its increased thickness over time.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A place where an unusually hot part of the mantle rises through the crust causing volcanic activity is called a
- A.
Divergent boundary
- B.
Hot spot
- C.
Convergent boundary
- D.
Transform boundary
Correct Answer
B. Hot spotExplanation
A hot spot is a place where an unusually hot part of the mantle rises through the crust causing volcanic activity. This occurs when a plume of hot material from deep within the Earth's mantle rises towards the surface, creating a localized area of intense heat and volcanic activity. Unlike other types of plate boundaries, hot spots are not associated with the movement of tectonic plates. Instead, they remain fixed while the tectonic plates move over them, resulting in the formation of chains of volcanic islands or seamounts, such as the Hawaiian Islands.Rate this question:
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- 27.
The Himalayan mountains were formed because of a
- A.
Hot spot
- B.
Divergent boundary
- C.
Transform boundary
- D.
Convergent boundary
Correct Answer
D. Convergent boundaryExplanation
The correct answer is convergent boundary. The Himalayan mountains were formed due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision caused the crust to buckle and fold, resulting in the formation of the highest mountain range in the world. The convergent boundary refers to the coming together of two tectonic plates, which leads to the formation of mountains, volcanic activity, and earthquakes.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What causes the tectonic plates to move?
- A.
Ocean currents
- B.
Volcanoes
- C.
The Coriolis effect
- D.
Convection in the mantle
Correct Answer
D. Convection in the mantleExplanation
The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection in the mantle. The mantle is a layer of hot, semi-fluid rock beneath the Earth's crust. Heat from the Earth's core causes the rock in the mantle to become less dense and rise towards the surface, while cooler, denser rock sinks back down. This circular motion of rising and sinking rock creates convection currents in the mantle. These convection currents exert a force on the tectonic plates, causing them to move and interact with each other at plate boundaries.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Pieces of Earth's crust move on top of the
- A.
Ocean
- B.
Mantle
- C.
Outer core
- D.
Inner core
Correct Answer
B. MantleExplanation
The correct answer is mantle because the mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core. It is composed of hot, semi-solid rock that is capable of flowing over long periods of time. This movement of the mantle is responsible for the shifting of the Earth's tectonic plates, causing earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.Rate this question:
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- 30.
The fact that ice floats on top of water is like the fact that
- A.
The mantle causes earthquakes and volcanoes
- B.
The mantle is colder than the crust
- C.
The less dense crust sits on top of the mantle
- D.
The crust is melting
Correct Answer
C. The less dense crust sits on top of the mantleExplanation
The fact that ice floats on top of water is similar to the fact that the less dense crust sits on top of the mantle. In both cases, a less dense material is positioned above a denser material. Just as ice, which is less dense than water, floats on its surface, the less dense crust sits on top of the denser mantle. This arrangement is a result of the differences in density between the two materials.Rate this question:
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- 31.
A map of global earthquakes and volcanoes tells you
- A.
Where the edges of the continents are
- B.
Where the earth is the hottest
- C.
Nothing, it looks random
- D.
Where the plate boundaries are
Correct Answer
D. Where the plate boundaries areExplanation
A map of global earthquakes and volcanoes can tell you where the plate boundaries are because these geological phenomena are often associated with the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions commonly occur along plate boundaries, such as divergent boundaries where plates move apart, convergent boundaries where plates collide, and transform boundaries where plates slide past each other. By mapping the locations of earthquakes and volcanoes, scientists can identify the patterns and distribution of plate boundaries around the world.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What is the difference between the collision of an oceanic plate with a continental plate and the collision of two continental plates?
- 33.
If the Great Rift Valley located in East Africa continues to spread, it could cause a new sea to develop similar to the Red Sea.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The Great Rift Valley is a geological feature that runs through East Africa. It is caused by tectonic plate movements, which are slowly pulling the African continent apart. If this spreading continues, it could eventually lead to the formation of a new sea, similar to the Red Sea. This is because as the land splits, it creates a depression that can fill with water from nearby oceans or lakes. Therefore, it is true that if the Great Rift Valley continues to spread, it could cause a new sea to develop.Rate this question:
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- 34.
In this image, which car passes the center white post going the fastest?
- A.
The front car. It is being pushed by the back cars due to kinetic energy.
- B.
The back car. It is being pulled by the front cars due to gravity.
- C.
All cars pass at the same speed, they are all attached.
- D.
The middle cars, they are the square of the mean value of the speed of all cars.
Correct Answer
B. The back car. It is being pulled by the front cars due to gravity. -
- 35.
Most divergent boundaries are spreading centers located along the crests of mid-ocean ridges. Some spreading centers, however, occur on the continents.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Divergent boundaries are places where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. Most of these boundaries are found along the crests of mid-ocean ridges, where new oceanic crust is formed. However, there are also spreading centers on continents, such as the East African Rift Valley. Therefore, the statement is true.Rate this question:
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- 36.
A continental volcanic arc is a range of volcanic mountains produced in part by the subduction of oceanic lithosphere.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
A continental volcanic arc is formed when oceanic lithosphere subducts beneath continental lithosphere, leading to the creation of a range of volcanic mountains. This process occurs at convergent plate boundaries where two tectonic plates collide. As the oceanic plate subducts, it melts and rises to the surface, resulting in the formation of a volcanic arc. Therefore, the statement "A continental volcanic arc is a range of volcanic mountains produced in part by the subduction of oceanic lithosphere" is true.Rate this question:
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(46).jpg "The process that continually adds new crust is:")
(41).jpg "The ring of fire is a ring of volcanoes and earthquakes that occur along:")
(41).jpg "Where two plates rub past each other in opposite directions is a")
(37).jpg "The place where two plates collide is called a")
(43).jpg "The place where two plates move apart is called a")
(37).jpg "Subduction is when")
(41).jpg "The mid-ocean ridge occurs along a")
(30).jpg "The theory that states that pieces of Earth's crust are in constant, slow motion driven by movement in the mantle is called")
(34).jpg "The theory that continents are slowly moving over Earth's surface is called")
(27).jpg "When two continental plates pull apart a ________________________ forms")
(28).jpg "Oceanic crust is ____________________ than continental crust")
(28).jpg "Continental crust is ______________________ than oceanic crust")
(29).jpg "A place where an unusually hot part of the mantle rises through the crust causing volcanic activity is called a")
(39).jpg "The Himalayan mountains were formed because of a")
(47).jpg "What causes the tectonic plates to move?")
(42).jpg "Pieces of Earth's crust move on top of the")
(21).jpg "The fact that ice floats on top of water is like the fact that")
(38).jpg "A map of global earthquakes and volcanoes tells you")
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