Master The Plate Tectonics Vocab Quiz

Pangea is the correct answer because it is the name of the hypothetical landmass that is believed to have existed millions of years ago. Pangea is the term used to describe the supercontinent that consisted of all the continents fused together before they separated and formed the continents we have today. It is a widely accepted theory in the field of geology and explains the similarities in fossil records and geological features found across different continents.

The correct answer is Continental drift. Continental drift is a hypothesis that suggests that the Earth's continents were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangea and have since moved apart over time. This theory explains the similarities in fossils, rock formations, and mountain ranges found on different continents. It also helps to understand the occurrence of earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of new landforms at convergent boundaries. The term "craton" refers to the stable interior of a continent, and a "convergent boundary" is a place where two tectonic plates collide.

A convergent boundary is a boundary between two plates that are moving toward each other. At this boundary, the plates collide and can either form mountains, volcanic activity, or subduction zones depending on the type of crust involved. This type of boundary is characterized by compression and the plates being forced together, causing intense geologic activity.

A divergent boundary is a boundary between two lithospheric plates that are moving apart. This movement causes tension and leads to the formation of a rift or a gap between the plates. As the plates separate, magma from the mantle rises to fill the gap, creating new crust. This process is known as seafloor spreading and can result in the formation of mid-ocean ridges or rift valleys on land. Divergent boundaries are characterized by volcanic activity, earthquakes, and the creation of new crust.

Mantle convection is the process by which heat from Earth's inner and outer cores is transferred through the mantle. The mantle is the layer of the Earth located between the crust and the core. It consists of hot, semi-fluid rock that undergoes slow circulation due to differences in temperature and density. This convection process plays a crucial role in the movement of tectonic plates, as the heat transfer drives the motion of the mantle, which in turn affects the movement of the crust.

A transform boundary is the correct answer because it refers to a boundary where two plates are sliding past each other horizontally. This type of boundary is characterized by intense seismic activity and the formation of faults. Unlike convergent boundaries where plates collide or divergent boundaries where plates move apart, transform boundaries involve shear stress and result in lateral displacement of the Earth's crust.

Slab pull refers to the force exerted by the sinking edge of a subduction plate on the rest of the plate. As the denser plate sinks into the mantle, it pulls the rest of the plate along with it. This force is responsible for the motion and deformation of the tectonic plates at subduction zones. It is a significant driving force in plate tectonics and contributes to the formation of features such as mountain ranges, volcanic arcs, and earthquakes.

A subduction boundary occurs when an oceanic plate is forced beneath another overriding plate. This process is known as subduction. As the oceanic plate sinks into the mantle, it creates a convergent boundary. This type of boundary is characterized by intense geological activity, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The correct answer is subduction boundary.

Plate tectonics is the correct answer because it refers to the theory that the lithosphere (the Earth's outermost layer) is divided into several large and small plates that are constantly moving and interacting with each other at their boundaries. This theory explains various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. It also provides an understanding of the distribution of continents and oceans on Earth's surface. Continental drift is a related concept that describes the movement of continents over time, which is a part of the larger plate tectonics theory. Convergent boundary and slab pull are specific terms associated with plate tectonics, further supporting the correctness of the answer.

The correct answer is Rift Valley. A rift valley is formed at a point where lithospheric plates are moving apart, such as at a mid-ocean ridge. As the plates separate, the crust weakens and stretches, creating a depression or valley known as a rift valley. This process is often associated with volcanic activity and the formation of new crust. The Great Rift Valley in East Africa is a famous example of a rift valley.

A deep sea trench is a steep-sided trough that runs parallel to continental margins or to volcanic island chains. It is formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another. As the denser plate sinks into the mantle, it creates a trench in the ocean floor. These trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean and are often associated with intense seismic activity and the formation of volcanic arcs.

A craton refers to the ancient and stable interior part of a continent that has remained relatively unchanged for billions of years. It is composed of thick and stable crust, often consisting of ancient rocks and minerals. The term "core" in the question suggests that the answer should be related to the central and foundational part of the continent, which aligns with the characteristics of a craton. Therefore, the correct answer is craton.

A terrane is a large block of lithospheric plate that has been moved over a distance of 1000 km and attached to the edge of a continent. This process occurs due to tectonic forces that cause the movement and collision of lithospheric plates. Terranes are often composed of different types of rocks and have distinct geological features compared to the surrounding continent. They provide important evidence for plate tectonics and the history of Earth's crustal evolution.

The correct answer is Mid-ocean ridge. A long chain of mountains with a central rift valley that is located along a divergent boundary is characteristic of a mid-ocean ridge. This is where tectonic plates are moving apart, causing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. The central rift valley forms as the plates separate and magma fills the gap. The mid-ocean ridge is a prominent feature of the ocean floor, with examples such as the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the East Pacific Rise.

The term "rift" refers to a crack or opening in the Earth's crust. It is a geological feature that occurs when tectonic plates move apart, creating a gap where molten rock can rise to the surface, forming new crust. This process is known as rifting and can lead to the formation of rift valleys, such as the East African Rift Valley. A craton, on the other hand, refers to the stable interior of a continent, while a terrane is a distinct fragment of crust that has been added to a larger landmass. Therefore, the correct answer is "rift" because it specifically describes a crack or opening in the Earth's crust.

Ridge push refers to the force exerted by cooling and subsiding rock on the separating lithospheric plates at a mid-ocean ridge. As the newly formed oceanic crust cools and becomes denser, it sinks and exerts a horizontal force away from the ridge. This force pushes the lithospheric plates away from the ridge, contributing to the movement of tectonic plates.