Geology Quiz: Plate Tectonics

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Questions and Answers

The theory of plate tectonics suggests that about 200 million years ago, all of Earth's land was confined to a single continent called?

Eurasia

Laurasia

Gondwanaland

Pangaea (correct)

Which of the following is an example of an epeirogenic process?

A large plateau forms in the interior of a continental plate when a large section of the plate rises evenly due to an even expansion of the underlying mantle. (correct)

Mountains form along a convergent plate boundary when an oceanic plate slips beneath a continental plate, resulting in an upward force on the continental plate.

Mountains form along a convergent plate boundary when two plates collide, causing rock to bunch and buckle upward.

A rift valley forms at a divergent boundary where two plates are stretched apart.

Plate divergence is best described as a/an _______ process.

taphrogenic

Mountain ranges that form close to a subduction zone are likely to experience?

Volcanic activity Signup and view all the answers

All of the following are extrusive landforms except?

Batholiths Signup and view all the answers

Which type of seismic waves result from interference between S waves and P waves?

Rayleigh waves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following geological features forms at a subduction zone between an oceanic and a continental plate?

Continental shelf Signup and view all the answers

An enormous wave generated by an earthquake beneath the seafloor is known as a?

Tsunami Signup and view all the answers

Where is the youngest crust on Earth most likely located?

At divergent boundaries in the middle of the ocean Signup and view all the answers

_______ is the point where some region of the lithosphere reaches its ultimate elevation and stops rising.

Isostatic equilibrium Signup and view all the answers

Which natural process is responsible for ridge push?

Seafloor spreading Signup and view all the answers

Which force is responsible for pulling a plate downward into the asthenosphere?

Gravity Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a P wave?

A P wave can travel through liquids. Signup and view all the answers

What can you conclude about the oceanic crust in the image?

It's denser than the continental crust. Signup and view all the answers

At a fault block, one portion of the block moves upward while the adjacent portion moves downward. What is the upper portion called?

The horst Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is responsible for about half of the heat generated by Earth's core?

Radioactive decay of elements Signup and view all the answers

The image shows that landmasses now separated by oceans fit together like puzzle pieces and have fossils of the same organisms. These clues are evidence of?

Continental drift Signup and view all the answers

Which type of plate boundary does the image show?

Convergent Signup and view all the answers

A person lives in a new structure that complies with modern building codes with regard to earthquake safety. What is the best place for this person to take cover during an earthquake?

Under a table Signup and view all the answers

Which type of volcano has gentle slopes and forms at a divergent plate boundary?

Shield volcano Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plate Tectonics and Continental Formation

About 200 million years ago, Earth's land was unified as a single continent called Pangaea.
The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth’s lithospheric plates.

Geological Processes

An epeirogenic process results in large plateaus forming due to even expansion of the underlying mantle.
Plate divergence is a taphrogenic process, involving the stretching and pulling apart of tectonic plates.

Features of Plate Boundaries

Mountain ranges near subduction zones often experience significant volcanic activity.
At subduction zones between oceanic and continental plates, the geological feature forming is the continental shelf.

Earthquake Effects

An enormous wave generated by undersea earthquakes is termed a tsunami.
Rayleigh waves result from interactions between S waves and P waves during seismic events.

Oceanic Crust Characteristics

The youngest oceanic crust is typically found at divergent boundaries in oceanic regions, where new crust is formed.
The oceanic crust is denser than the continental crust and exerts greater downward force.

Uplift and Isostasy

Isostatic equilibrium is reached when a region of the lithosphere stops rising due to balancing forces.
Buoyancy and gravity are critical forces in the movement and stability of tectonic plates.

Seismic Waves

P waves can travel through both liquids and solids, moving particles to create compressional waves.
Love waves and Rayleigh waves are other types of seismic waves generated during earthquakes.

Faults and Plate Movements

In fault blocks, the upper portion that moves upward is called the horst, while the downward-moving portion is the graben.
Ridge push is primarily driven by seafloor spreading, affecting plate dynamics.

Safety Measures During Earthquakes

The safest place to take cover during an earthquake is under a table, offering protection from falling debris.

Volcanic Formation

Shield volcanoes feature gentle slopes and typically form at divergent plate boundaries due to lava flows.

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Description

Test your knowledge on plate tectonics and continental formation. This quiz covers the movement of lithospheric plates, geological processes, features of plate boundaries, and the effects of earthquakes. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these fundamental concepts in geology!