Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift
8 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which observation did NOT contribute to the development of the theory of plate tectonics?

  • Changes in atmospheric pressure over time (correct)
  • Matching fossil evidence on different continents.
  • Distribution of earthquakes along specific zones.
  • Similarity of rock formations across continents.

    • Wegener's theory of continental drift was immediately accepted by the scientific community due to the compelling evidence he presented.

    False (B)

    Describe how magnetic striping on the ocean floor supports the theory of seafloor spreading.

    Magnetic striping provides a record of Earth's magnetic field reversals, which are symmetrical on either side of mid-ocean ridges, indicating new crust is formed and then moves away from the ridge.

    The Earth's lithosphere is divided into several large ______ that move slowly over the asthenosphere.

    <p>plates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following pieces of evidence with the specific aspect of plate tectonics they support:

    <p>Earthquakes = Plate boundaries Mid-ocean ridges = Seafloor spreading Fossil distribution = Continental drift Rock types = Past continental connections</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the driving force behind plate tectonics?

    <p>Convection currents in the Earth's mantle. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During seafloor spreading, what happens to the older crust as new magma emerges and solidifies?

    <p>It is pushed further away from the mid-ocean ridge. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain the relationship between temperature, density, and movement in the context of plate tectonics.

    <p>Temperature variations within the mantle lead to density differences. Hotter, less dense material rises, while cooler, denser material sinks, creating convection currents that drive plate movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Plate Tectonics

    The theory that Earth's lithosphere is divided into moving plates over the asthenosphere.

    Evidence: Earthquakes

    Seismic events occur where tectonic plates interact, indicating their movement.

    Evidence: Mid-Ocean Ridges

    Underwater ridges where new ocean floor is created by seafloor spreading.

    Evidence: Fossils

    Fossils found on different continents suggest they were once joined.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Continental Drift (Wegener)

    Theory suggesting continents were once connected, but lacked a movement explanation.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Seafloor Spreading Process

    Magma rises at mid-ocean ridges, creating new seafloor and pushing plates apart.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Convection Currents

    Heat-driven currents in the mantle causing movement of tectonic plates.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Magnetic Striping

    Alternating patterns of magnetic anomalies on the ocean floor supporting seafloor spreading.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Study Notes

    Plate Tectonics

    • Plate tectonics is a theory that describes how Earth's lithosphere (the rigid outermost shell) is divided into a number of plates that move relative to each other.
    • Continental drift was the idea that continents had once been part of a single landmass and had drifted apart (wegener’s theory).

    Evidence supporting Plate Tectonics

    • Fossil evidence: Similar fossils found on different continents.
    • Rock type evidence: Similar rock types and mountain ranges found on different continents.
    • Matching coastlines: The shapes of continents appear to fit together like puzzle pieces.
    • Paleoclimatic evidence: Evidence of past climates, preserved in rocks, suggests past positions of continents.
    • Earthquakes and volcanoes: Earthquakes and volcanoes are often found along plate boundaries.

    Continental Drift

    • Wegner proposed the hypothesis of continental drift, suggesting the continents had once been joined together in a supercontinent called Pangaea.
    • However, Wegner's theory lacked a convincing mechanism to explain how continents moved.

    Seafloor Spreading

    • Seafloor spreading is a process where new oceanic crust forms along mid-ocean ridges and spreads outwards away from the ridges.
    • Magma rises from the Earth's mantle to fill the gap created by the spreading plates.
    • The cooled magma creates new crust, while older crust is pushed away.

    Plate Movement

    • Convection currents in the Earth's mantle are thought to cause the movement of tectonic plates.
    • Hot material rises, cools, and sinks, creating cyclical motions that pull the plates.
    • Differences in density between layers also play a part.
    • The movement of plates causes interaction/changes that affect the features of the Earth's surface. For example the formation of mountain ranges, volcanoes, and earthquakes.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    IMG_0875.jpeg

    Description

    Explore the fascinating theory of plate tectonics, which explains how Earth's lithosphere is divided into moving plates. Delve into the evidence supporting this theory, including fossil similarities, rock types, and the concept of continental drift proposed by Wegener.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser