Science Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who first proposed the idea that continents drift?

Abraham Ortelius

What significant theory did Alfred Wegener develop?

The theory of Continental Drift

What was Pangaea?

An enormous single landmass that existed about 240 million years ago.

Name one type of evidence supporting the theory of Continental Drift.

Look-alike animal and plant fossils. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Pangaea and Gondwana?

Gondwana was one of the two supercontinents that formed from Pangaea. Signup and view all the answers

What are transform plate boundaries? Give 2 examples.

Transform plate boundaries occur where two tectonic plates slide past one another. The Alphine Fault,The San Andreas Fault Signup and view all the answers

Name an example of a transform fault.

One example of a transform fault is the San Andreas Fault. Signup and view all the answers

What geological features are primarily associated with transform boundaries?

Transform boundaries are primarily associated with faults and earthquakes. Signup and view all the answers

How does the movement of rocks at transform boundaries differ from convergent and divergent boundaries?

At transform boundaries, rocks slide past each other, while at convergent boundaries they collide, and at divergent boundaries they move apart. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Alpine Fault in relation to transform boundaries?

The Alpine Fault is significant as it is a prominent example of a transform fault in New Zealand. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at an oceanic divergent boundary?

Two oceanic tectonic plates move away from each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is formed at a continent-continent convergent plate boundary?

Massive mountain belts are formed. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tectonic' refer to in the context of plate tectonics?

It refers to the deformation of the plate interaction. Signup and view all the answers

How fast do tectonic plates typically move?

Tectonic plates move at a rate of 1-10 centimeters per year. Signup and view all the answers

How does an oceanic plate interact with a continental plate at a convergent boundary?

The oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main composition of the continental crust?

The continental crust is mainly composed of granite. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of a continental divergent boundary.

The East African Rift. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when two oceanic plates collide?

They create features like deep ocean trenches. Signup and view all the answers

What type of crust is denser and thinner, continental or oceanic?

Oceanic crust is denser and thinner. Signup and view all the answers

What role do convection currents in the mantle play in plate tectonics?

Convection currents circulate throughout the mantle, helping to drive the movement of tectonic plates. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transform Plate Boundaries

Occur when two tectonic plates slide past each other.
Notable examples include the Alpine Fault and the San Andreas Fault.

Pioneers in Plate Tectonics

Abraham Ortelius
- Proposed the concept of continental drift in 1596.
- Renowned cartographer and creator of the first modern atlas, "The Theatrum Orbis Terrarum."
Alfred Lothar Wegener
- Formulated the "theory of Continental Drift."
- Authored two influential works: "Die Entstehung der Kontinente" (The Origin of the Continents) and "Ozeane" (Oceans).
- His background includes geophysics and meteorology.

Pangaea

An ancient supercontinent that existed around 240 million years ago.
Eventually divided into two parts: Gondwana and Laurasia.

Evidence Supporting Continental Drift Theory

Identification of similar animal and plant fossils across different continents.
Matching geological structures and rock formations found on separate landmasses.

Plate Tectonics Overview

Defined as large, irregular slabs of solid rock.
"Tectonic" signifies the deformation resulting from plate interactions.
Plates generally move at rates of 1 to 10 centimeters per year.
Composed of rigid lithosphere, with underlying convection currents in the mantle.

Types of Plate Tectonic/Crust

Continental Crust
- Thicker, less dense, predominantly granite composition.
Oceanic Crust
- Thinner, denser, mainly composed of basalt.

Plate Boundaries

Oceanic Divergent Boundary

Characterized by two oceanic plates moving away from each other, exemplified by the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Continental Divergent Boundary

Involves two continental plates pulling apart; for instance, the East African Rift.

Convergent Plate Boundaries

Plates collide, leading to various geological formations.

Types of Convergent Plate Boundaries

Continent - Continent
- Results in significant mountain ranges like the Himalayas due to thick, folded crust.
Continent - Oceanic
- Occurs when an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate; the oceanic crust is denser. Example: Western coast of the Americas.
Oceanic - Oceanic
- Happens when two oceanic plates collide, forming features like the Mariana Trench, which reaches depths of 11 km.

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Description

Test your knowledge on transform plate boundaries, where tectonic plates slide past one another. Explore examples like the Alpine Fault and the San Andreas Fault, and understand their geological significance. This quiz will enhance your understanding of these unique rock formations and their impacts.