Earth's Structure and Plate Tectonics Test
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Define lithosphere.
The rigid outer layer of Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.
What is plate tectonics?
The theory explaining the movement of Earth’s lithospheric plates on the asthenosphere.
True or false: The asthenosphere is solid and rigid.
FALSE The asthenosphere is semi-fluid, allowing for plate movement.
Fill in the blank: Convergent boundaries are where plates _______.
collide
What is a transform boundary?
A boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.
Define subduction zone.
An area where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another.
What is the Mantle?
The layer of Earth between the crust and the outer core, composed of semi-solid rock.
True or false: Oceanic crust is thicker than continental crust.
FALSE Oceanic crust is thinner but denser than continental crust.
Fill in the blank: Seafloor spreading occurs at _______ boundaries.
divergent
What is a fault?
A fracture in Earth’s crust along which movement has occurred.
Define continental drift.
The gradual movement of continents across Earth’s surface over geological time.
What is the core of the Earth?
The innermost layer, composed mainly of iron and nickel, divided into outer and inner core.
True or false: Rift valleys form at convergent boundaries.
FALSE Rift valleys form at divergent boundaries where plates pull apart.
Fill in the blank: Earthquakes are caused by sudden _______ along faults.
releases of energy
What is pangaea?
The supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.
Define magma.
Molten rock beneath Earth’s surface that can erupt as lava.
What is a hotspot?
An area in the mantle where heat causes melting, leading to volcanic activity.
True or false: The Ring of Fire is a region of high seismic activity.
TRUE It encircles the Pacific Ocean and is known for earthquakes and volcanoes.
Fill in the blank: Tsunamis are often caused by _______ under the ocean.
earthquakes
What is isostasy?
The equilibrium of Earth’s crust floating on the denser, underlying mantle.
Define sedimentary rock.
Rock formed from the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.
What is tectonic plate?
Large sections of Earth’s lithosphere that move and interact with each other.
True or false: Volcanoes can only form at convergent boundaries.
FALSE Volcanoes can also form at divergent boundaries and hotspots.
Fill in the blank: Metamorphic rocks are formed from _______ under heat and pressure.
existing rocks