Tectonic Plates and Boundaries

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Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between tectonic plates and the Earth's mantle?

The mantle is composed of fragmented pieces of tectonic plates that have broken apart.
Tectonic plates are denser than the mantle, causing them to sink into it.
Tectonic plates float on top of the mantle, allowing them to move around the Earth's surface. (correct)
Tectonic plates are rigidly fixed to the mantle and do not move.

Australia is located on a continental plate.

False (B)

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary where two oceanic plates are separating?

mid-ocean ridge

At a continent-continent divergent plate boundary, two continental plates move away from each other due to _________ forces in the Earth’s lithosphere.

tensional Signup and view all the answers

Which geological event is commonly associated with the movement of plates at divergent boundaries?

Earthquakes (A) Signup and view all the answers

Match the following locations with their associated plate boundary type:

East African Rift Valley = Continent-Continent Divergent Boundary Iceland's Mid-Atlantic Rift = Continent-Continent Divergent Boundary Signup and view all the answers

Convection is a process by which heat is transferred by the movement of a heated solid.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary process that leads to the formation of new oceanic plates at divergent boundaries?

Seafloor spreading (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which geological feature is commonly associated with continent-continent divergent boundaries?

Rift valleys (D) Signup and view all the answers

Earthquakes only occur at subduction zones.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of seismic wave is the fastest and can travel through both solids and liquids?

P waves Signup and view all the answers

The point of origin of an earthquake within the Earth is called the ______.

focus Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their correct descriptions relating to plate tectonics and earthquakes:

Epicenter = Point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake Fault = A fracture in the Earth's crust where movement has occurred Seafloor Spreading = Process where new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges Magnetic Striping = Pattern of magnetic polarity reversals recorded in oceanic crust Signup and view all the answers

According to the theory of seafloor spreading, where is the youngest oceanic crust typically found?

At the mid-ocean ridges (A) Signup and view all the answers

Earth's magnetic field remains constant and never reverses polarity.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What evidence supports the theory of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics?

Magnetic striping on the ocean floor (B) Signup and view all the answers

Tectonic Plates

Earth's outer shell is divided into about 10 major sections that move and interact.

Continental Drift

The theory that Earth's continents were once joined and have drifted apart over millions of years.