Plate Tectonics / Earths Layers Test

Directions: Match the correct vocabulary term to the definition by writing the letter for the term on
the line next to the definition. (9 points)

1. ________the movement of the continents resulting

from the motion of tectonic plates

A. Plate Tectonic Theory

B. Convection Currents
2. ________the process in which one tectonic plate
is forced below another plate
C. Continental Drift Theory
3. ________ the movement of the material in the mantle
as the hot material from deep within rises,
cools, then sinks again

D. Plates

E. Transform plate boundary

4. ________ boundary that forms where two tectonic
plates move past each other

5. ________ boundary that forms where two tectonic

plates are moving away from one another

F. Convergent plate boundary

G. Divergent plate boundary

H. Subduction
6. ________ the theory in which crustal plates move,
including colliding, sliding under, or moving
past other plates

7. ________ boundary that forms where two tectonic

plates are moving toward each other

8. ________ large segments of the Earths crust that

are constantly in motion

9. ________ the large landmass that existed when all the

continents were connected as one
1

I. Pangaea

Directions: Identify each statement as True or False by circling True or False next to the statement.
If the statement is false, change the underlined word to make it a true statement. (4 points)

10. The tectonic plates are located in the lithosphere layer.

TRUE or FALSE

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11. Tectonic plates moved in the past, and are still moving today.

TRUE or FALSE

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12. The greatest volcanic activity happens at the center of tectonic plates.

TRUE or FALSE

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13. Charles Darwin suggested the theory of continental drift.

TRUE or FALSE

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Directions: Circle the letter next to the correct answer. (8 points)
14. As you move from the outside layers of the earth to the inside layers, what changes would you
notice?
a. The pressure would increase and the temperature would decrease
b. The pressure would decrease and the temperature would increase.
c. The pressure and temperature would increase.
d. The pressure and temperature would decrease.
15. Which of the following is something the moving of the tectonic plates does NOT cause?
a. Earthquakes
b. Volcanoes
c. Mountains
d. Hurricanes
16. The movement of tectonic plates is caused by:
a. convection currents
b. heat in the inner core
c. radiation from the sun
d. strong global winds

17. Use the map below, which shows the major tectonic plates of the world, to answer the question
below.

Which number represents a major tectonic plate that does NOT have a
continent on it?
a.
b.
c.
d.

5
1
8
6

18. To which continent was South America once connected?

a. Europe
b. Asia
c. Australia
d. Africa
19. When a continental plate converges with an oceanic plate, what occurs?
a. The continental plate is subducted below the ocean plate
b. The oceanic plate is subducted below the continental plate
c. The plates stop moving
d. Neither one gets subducted
20. The Himalaya Mountains were formed when:
a. 2 continental plates diverged
b. 2 continental plates converged
c. A continental plate and an oceanic plate diverged
d. A continental plate and an oceanic plate converged
21. Which of the following layers are included in the lithosphere layer?
a. Crust and outer core
b. Upper mantle and lower mantle
c. Asthenosphere and upper mantle
d. Crust and upper mantle

Directions: Answer the following questions. (9 points)

22-23. What are the 2 types of crust? (2 points)
_________________________

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24-30. Identify the 7 layers of the Earth from the outside to the inside. (7 points)
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Directions: Use the diagrams below to answer the short-answer questions that follow. (9 points)

31-33. Use the diagrams to explain how hot spots and the movement of tectonic plates are responsible for the
creation of the Hawaiian Islands. (3 points)
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34. Which island is the oldest?_________________ 35-36. Explain how you know it is the oldest. (3 points)
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37-39. Do the diagrams support or disprove the theory of plate tectonics? Explain. (3 points)
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Directions: Answer the following essay question. (6 points)

40-45. Write a complete paragraph identifying a surface feature/land formation that is created as a result of
tectonic plates. Explain how the plates cause this and the process in which it is created. (4 points for ideas, 2
point for conventions)

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