The Greatest Quiz On Tectonic Plates You'll Ever Attempt!
Tectonic Plates are responsible for shaping the earth's crust. Every continent formed rises above the sea due to plate tectonics. It causes earthquakes, volcanoes, the rise of mountains, etc. The following quiz tests your knowledge of Plate Tectonics. It contains a wide range of questions ranging from easy, medium, to hard levels that will help you enhance your knowledge about the topic. If you find this quiz informative, share it with your friends. All the best
Questions and Answers
- 1.
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. This occurs at mid-ocean ridges, where molten material rises from the mantle and erupts, creating new oceanic crust. As the crust forms, it pushes older crust away from the ridge, causing the sea floor to spread apart. This process is driven by convection currents in the mantle, which move the tectonic plates. Subduction is the opposite process, where one plate is forced beneath another, leading to the destruction of crust. Earthquakes can occur as a result of both subduction and sea-floor spreading, but they are not the process that adds new crust.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The Ring of Fire is a ring of volcanoes and earthquakes that occur along:ing 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 is a well-known area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions take place. These events are primarily associated with plate boundaries, where tectonic plates interact with each other. Plate boundaries can be of different types, such as divergent boundaries (like the mid-ocean ridge), convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries. The correct answer, "plate boundaries," encompasses all these types and explains that the Ring of Fire is formed due to the intense tectonic activity occurring at these boundaries.Rate this question:
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- 3.
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 plates slide past each other in opposite directions. This type of boundary is characterized by horizontal movement and is often associated with earthquakes. Unlike convergent boundaries where plates collide or divergent boundaries where plates move apart, transform boundaries involve shear stress and lateral movement along a fault line. This explanation aligns with the given correct answer of "transform boundary."Rate this question:
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- 4.
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 correct answer because it refers to the place where two tectonic plates collide. At convergent boundaries, the plates move towards each other, causing one plate to be forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. This collision can result in the formation of mountain ranges, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. Examples of convergent boundaries include the Himalayas, where the Indian and Eurasian plates collide, and the Andes Mountains, where the Nazca and South American plates converge.Rate this question:
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- 5.
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. This movement creates a gap between the plates, allowing magma from the mantle to rise and form new crust, resulting in the formation of mid-ocean ridges or rift valleys on land. This process is responsible for the creation of new crust and the spreading of the Earth's lithosphere.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Subduction is when:
- A.
Earthquakes occur along a transform boundary
- B.
A new crust is formed
- C.
One plate slides under another
- D.
New islands are formed
Correct Answer
C. One plate slides under anotherExplanation
Subduction is the process in which one tectonic plate moves beneath another plate. This occurs at convergent boundaries, where two plates collide. As one plate is denser than the other, it sinks into the mantle, creating a subduction zone. This process is responsible for various geological features, such as deep-sea trenches, volcanic arcs, and mountain ranges. It also leads to the recycling of old crust and the formation of new crust through volcanic activity.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The mid-ocean ridge occurs along a:
- A.
Convergent boundary where new crust is formed
- B.
Transform boundary where the crust is subducted
- C.
Divergent boundary where sea-floor spreading takes place
- D.
The divergent boundary where subduction takes place
Correct Answer
C. Divergent boundary where sea-floor spreading takes placeExplanation
The correct answer is a divergent boundary where sea-floor spreading takes place. This is because the mid-ocean ridge is a long underwater mountain range that forms at divergent boundaries, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other. At these boundaries, magma rises to the surface and creates new oceanic crust, which spreads out in both directions, forming the mid-ocean ridge. This process is known as sea-floor spreading.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The theory that states "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 states that pieces of Earth's crust, known as plates, are constantly moving due to the movement in the mantle. This theory explains various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. It suggests that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large plates that interact with each other at their boundaries, causing the formation of different landforms and the movement of continents over time. The theory of plate tectonics revolutionized the field of geology and provided a comprehensive explanation for the dynamic nature of the Earth's surface.Rate this question:
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- 9.
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 correct answer is "the theory of continental drift". This theory, proposed by Alfred Wegener in the early 20th century, suggests that the Earth's continents were once a single landmass called Pangaea, which has since broken apart and drifted to their current positions. This theory explains various geological phenomena, such as the matching coastlines of continents, similar rock formations, and fossil evidence. It laid the foundation for the modern theory of plate tectonics, which further explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.Rate this question:
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- 10.
When two continental plates pull apart, a ________________________ is formed.
- 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 is formed. This occurs when the lithosphere, the outermost layer of the Earth, stretches and thins. As the plates move away from each other, magma rises to fill the gap, creating a linear depression known as a rift valley. This process is associated with intense volcanic activity and can eventually lead to the formation of a new ocean basin.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Oceanic crust is ____________________ than continental crust.
- A.
Less denser
- B.
More denser
- C.
Less hotter
- D.
More hotter
Correct Answer
B. More denserExplanation
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust because it is composed primarily of basalt, which has a higher density compared to the granite and sedimentary rocks that make up continental crust. The denser oceanic crust is also thinner and more mafic in composition, containing more iron and magnesium, which contributes to its higher density. This density difference plays a significant role in plate tectonics, as oceanic crust tends to subduct beneath less dense continental crust at convergent plate boundaries.Rate this question:
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- 12.
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 formed by the accumulation of multiple layers of rock over billions of years. It is composed of less dense materials, such as granite, which allows it to be thicker and less dense compared to the oceanic crust, which is primarily made up of denser basaltic rocks. The continental crust also contains older rocks, while the oceanic crust is constantly being formed and destroyed through plate tectonics.Rate this question:
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- 13.
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 is different from other types of boundaries such as divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries, which involve the movement and interaction of tectonic plates. Hot spots are stationary and can create a chain of volcanic islands or seamounts as the tectonic plate moves over the hot spot.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Volcanoes are most likely to occur along the:
- A.
Divergent boundary
- B.
Convergent boundary
- C.
Transform boundary
- D.
Sea-floor spreading
Correct Answer
B. Convergent boundaryExplanation
Volcanoes are most likely to occur along convergent boundaries. Convergent boundaries are formed when two tectonic plates collide, causing one plate to be forced beneath the other in a process called subduction. As the subducting plate sinks deeper into the Earth's mantle, it melts and forms magma. This magma then rises to the surface, leading to volcanic activity. Examples of convergent boundaries where volcanoes are commonly found include the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Andes Mountains.Rate this question:
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- 15.
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 Himalayan mountains were formed due to a convergent boundary. This type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates collide. In the case of the Himalayas, the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate. As the Indian plate moved northward, it was forced beneath the Eurasian plate in a process called subduction. This collision caused the crust to buckle and fold, resulting in the formation of the towering Himalayan mountain range.Rate this question:
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- 16.
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 primarily caused by convection in the mantle. The mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the core. Convection occurs when heat from the core causes the mantle to heat up and become less dense, causing it to rise. As it rises, it cools down and becomes denser, causing it to sink back down. This continuous cycle of heating and cooling creates convection currents in the mantle, which in turn cause the tectonic plates to move.Rate this question:
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- 17.
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 pieces of Earth's crust move on top of the mantle. The mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core. It is a semi-solid layer made up of hot, flowing rock called magma. The movement of the mantle is responsible for the movement of the tectonic plates, which causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The fact that ice floats on top of the water is because
- A.
The mantle causes earthquakes and volcanoes
- B.
The mantle is colder than the crust
- C.
Ice is less dense than liquid water
- D.
The crust is melting
Correct Answer
C. Ice is less dense than liquid waterExplanation
When water freezes into ice, its structure changes to form a crystalline lattice that occupies more volume than the water in liquid form. This means that ice has a lower density than liquid water, which allows it to float. This property is unique to water due to hydrogen bonding and is unrelated to the Earth's mantle, crust, or geological processes like earthquakes, volcanoes, or the melting of the crust.Rate this question:
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- 19.
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 tells you where the plate boundaries are. Earthquakes and volcanic activity often occur along the boundaries of tectonic plates, where the Earth's crust is constantly moving and interacting. By mapping these events, scientists can identify the locations of plate boundaries and gain a better understanding of the Earth's dynamic processes.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Hot spots are:
- A.
Always moving around
- B.
Stationary, they stay in the same place
- C.
Constantly disappearing and reappearing
- D.
What creates earthquakes
Correct Answer
B. Stationary, they stay in the same placeExplanation
Hot spots are stationary, meaning they stay in the same place. Hot spots are areas of volcanic activity that occur beneath the Earth's surface. They are not constantly moving around like tectonic plate boundaries or disappearing and reappearing. Instead, hot spots remain fixed in one location while the tectonic plates move above them. This stationary nature of hot spots allows for the formation of chains of volcanic islands, such as the Hawaiian Islands, as the tectonic plate moves over the hot spot.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:ing 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 \"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 ________________________ is formed.")
(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:")
.jpg "Volcanoes are most likely to occur along the:")
(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 the water is because")
(38).jpg "A map of global earthquakes and volcanoes tells you:")
(44).jpg "Hot spots are:")
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Apr 17, 2024Quiz Edited by
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Nov 29, 2009Quiz Created by
Marquart
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