Geology Lab Test 1 Quiz - Plate Tectonics Q & A

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Geology Lab Test 1 Quiz - Plate Tectonics Q & A 1. Which of the following correctly lists the main zones of the Earth's interior, along with their compositions and phases? A) 1. Outer Core (solid phase; Fe-Mg-rich), 2. Crust (liquid phase; Si-Al-rich), 3. Inner Core (solid phase; Fe-Ni-rich), 4. Mantle (solid phase; Fe-Mg-rich, plastic flow) B) 1. Mantle (solid phase; Fe-Mg rich, plastic flow), 2. Inner Core (liquid phase; Fe-Ni-rich), 3. Crust (solid phase; Si-Al-rich continental and Fe-Mg-rich oceanic varieties), 4. Outer Core (solid phase; Fe- Ni-rich) C) 1. Crust (solid phase; Si-Al-rich continental and Fe-Mg-rich oceanic varieties), 2. Mantle (solid phase; Fe-Mg rich, plastic flow), 3. Outer Core (liquid phase; Fe-Ni-rich), 4. Inner Core (solid phase; Fe- Ni-rich) D) 1. Outer Core (liquid phase; Fe-Ni-rich), 2. Inner Core (solid phase; Fe-Ni-rich), 3. Mantle (solid phase; Fe-Mg rich, plastic flow), 4. Crust (solid phase; Si-Al-rich continental and Fe-Mg-rich oceanic varieties) Answer: C) 1. Crust (solid phase; Si-Al-rich continental and Fe-Mg-rich oceanic varieties), 2. Mantle (solid phase; Fe-Mg rich, plastic flow), 3. Outer Core (liquid phase; Fe-Ni-rich), 4. Inner Core (solid phase; Fe-Ni- rich). This option correctly lists the main zones of the Earth's interior in their respective order, along with their compositions and phases. 2. How might the internal heterogeneity of the Earth influence what happens on the surface? A) Variations in mantle composition affect the flow of magma and the location of volcanic activity. B) Differences in core temperature impact the rotation speed of the Earth. C) Variations in the inner core density affect the strength of the Earth's magnetic field. D) Variations in crustal thickness determine the intensity of earthquakes. Answer: A) Variations in mantle composition affect the flow of magma and the location of volcanic activity. Explanation: The internal heterogeneity of the Earth, particularly variations in composition and temperature within the mantle, can significantly influence surface phenomena. Variations in mantle composition affect the flow of magma, which in turn impacts the location, frequency, and intensity of volcanic activity. For example, regions with hotter mantle material may experience more vigorous magma upwelling, leading to increased volcanic activity, while cooler regions may have less frequent eruptions. Therefore, understanding the internal structure and composition of the Earth is crucial for predicting and managing volcanic hazards on the surface. 3. What are the lithosphere and asthenosphere? A) The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth composed of the crust and upper mantle, while the asthenosphere is a partially molten, ductile layer beneath the lithosphere. B) The lithosphere is a partially molten layer beneath the Earth's crust, while the asthenosphere is the rigid outer layer composed of solid rock. C) The lithosphere is the region of the Earth's mantle where convection currents occur, while the asthenosphere is the solid layer above the Earth's core. D) The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth's core, while the asthenosphere is a layer of dense rock located between the lithosphere and the mantle. Answer: A) The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth composed of the crust and upper mantle, while the asthenosphere is a partially molten, ductile layer beneath the lithosphere. Explanation: The lithosphere refers to the rigid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle. It is relatively cool and rigid, behaving as a brittle solid. In contrast, the asthenosphere lies

beneath the lithosphere and consists of partially molten, ductile rock. It exhibits plastic behavior and allows for the slow flow of solid material over geological timescales. This distinction between the lithosphere and asthenosphere is crucial for understanding the behavior of tectonic plates and the movement of the Earth's surface. 4. In 1912, Alfred Wegener proposed the hypothesis of "continental drift" to explain the formation of landmasses and oceans. What evidence supported Wegener's hypothesis? A) Wegener's hypothesis was supported by evidence of similar climates across different continents. B) The hypothesis was based on the discovery of fossilized dinosaur remains found on separate continents. C) Evidence such as conformable coastlines, similar fossil assemblages, and rock types from continent to continent supported Wegener's hypothesis. D) Wegener's hypothesis was primarily based on the observation of matching mountain ranges on different continents. Answer: C) Evidence such as conformable coastlines, similar fossil assemblages, and rock types from continent to continent supported Wegener's hypothesis. Explanation: Alfred Wegener's hypothesis of continental drift was supported by various lines of evidence, including conformable coastlines (e.g., the fit of the coastlines of Africa and South America), similar fossil assemblages found on separate continents (e.g., the presence of identical fossils of plants and animals), and matching rock types and geological features across different continents. These observations suggested that the continents were once connected and had drifted apart over geological time scales, supporting Wegener's proposal of continental drift. 4. How did paleomagnetic studies contribute to understanding the Earth's magnetic field? A) Paleomagnetic studies revealed that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of tectonic plates. B) Paleomagnetic studies demonstrated that the Earth's magnetic field is primarily caused by the rotation of the inner core. C) Paleomagnetic studies provided evidence that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection in the outer core. D) Paleomagnetic studies showed that the Earth's magnetic field is solely influenced by the alignment of magnetic minerals in the crust. Answer: C) Paleomagnetic studies provided evidence that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection in the outer core. Explanation: Paleomagnetic studies involve analyzing the magnetic properties of rocks to understand the Earth's magnetic field in the past. By examining the alignment of magnetic minerals in ancient rocks, researchers can determine the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field at the time of the rocks' formation. Through these studies, scientists have found evidence supporting the hypothesis that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection currents in the outer core, where molten iron and nickel create electric currents that generate the magnetic field. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the contribution of paleomagnetic studies to understanding the Earth's magnetic field. 5. Has the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field remained fixed over millions of years? A) Yes, the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field has remained constant throughout geological history. B) No, the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field has reversed several times over millions of years.

C) Yes, but the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field has shifted slightly due to changes in the Earth's rotation. D) No, the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field is influenced by the alignment of magnetic minerals in the Earth's crust. Answer: B) No, the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field has reversed several times over millions of years. Explanation: The Earth's magnetic field has not remained fixed over geological time. Paleomagnetic studies have shown that the Earth's magnetic field has undergone numerous reversals, where the magnetic north and south poles switch places. These reversals, known as geomagnetic reversals, have occurred irregularly over millions of years. The cause of geomagnetic reversals is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to changes in the Earth's outer core, such as convection currents. Therefore, option B is the correct answer as it reflects the dynamic nature of the Earth's magnetic field orientation over time. 6. How did paleomagnetic studies contribute to understanding the Earth's magnetic field? A) Paleomagnetic studies revealed that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of tectonic plates. B) Paleomagnetic studies demonstrated that the Earth's magnetic field is primarily caused by the rotation of the inner core. C) Paleomagnetic studies provided evidence that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection in the outer core. D) Paleomagnetic studies showed that the Earth's magnetic field is solely influenced by the alignment of magnetic minerals in the crust. Answer: C) Paleomagnetic studies provided evidence that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection in the outer core. Explanation: Paleomagnetic studies involve analyzing the magnetic properties of rocks to understand the Earth's magnetic field in the past. By examining the alignment of magnetic minerals in ancient rocks, researchers can determine the orientation of the Earth's magnetic field at the time of the rocks' formation. Through these studies, scientists have found evidence supporting the hypothesis that the Earth's magnetic field is generated by convection currents in the outer core, where molten iron and nickel create electric currents that generate the magnetic field. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the contribution of paleomagnetic studies to understanding the Earth's magnetic field. 7. What is the Curie Point? A) The temperature at which certain minerals gain magnetization. B) The temperature at which certain minerals lose their magnetization. C) The temperature at which the Earth's magnetic field reverses. D) The temperature at which certain minerals align with the Earth's magnetic field. Answer: B) The temperature at which certain minerals lose their magnetization. Explanation: The Curie Point is the temperature at which certain minerals lose their magnetization due to the thermal energy of atoms becoming high enough to disrupt the alignment of their magnetic poles. 8. What does orientation refer to in paleomagnetism? A) The angle from the horizontal.

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B) The latitude of the rock formation. C) The alignment of magnetic minerals with the Earth's magnetic field. D) The process of magnetization of rocks. Answer: C) The alignment of magnetic minerals with the Earth's magnetic field. Explanation: Orientation in paleomagnetism refers to the alignment of magnetic minerals within rocks, pointing towards the magnetic poles, similar to a compass needle. 9. What does inclination represent in paleomagnetism? A) The temperature at which minerals gain magnetization. B) The angle from the vertical. C) The latitude of the rock formation. D) The process of thermal demagnetization. Answer: B) The angle from the vertical. Explanation: Inclination refers to the angle from the horizontal plane, which depends on the latitude of the rock formation and indicates the direction of the Earth's magnetic field at the time of rock formation. 10. What information can paleomagnetism provide? A) The temperature at which rocks were formed. B) The composition of minerals within rocks. C) The latitude and orientation of rocks at the time of their formation. D) The rate of erosion of rocks over time. Answer: C) The latitude and orientation of rocks at the time of their formation. Explanation: Paleomagnetism can provide valuable information about the latitude and orientation of rocks at the time of their formation by analyzing the alignment of magnetic minerals within them, offering insights into past geological events and the movement of tectonic plates. 11. Which technological advancement played a crucial role in the discovery of mid-ocean ridges, trenches, volcanoes, and enormous fracture zones? A) Invention of radar B) Development of satellite imaging C) Discovery of echo-sounder technologies D) Advancement of GPS technology Answer: C) Discovery of echo-sounder technologies Explanation: The use of echo-sounder technologies, later evolved into SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), allowed scientists to map the seafloor and make significant discoveries about the Earth's oceanic features, including mid-ocean ridges, trenches, volcanoes, and fracture zones. This technological advancement revolutionized marine exploration and understanding of oceanic geology. 12. What significant concept did Harry Hess propose to the scientific community in 1962, based on the discoveries made through SONAR mapping of the seafloor?

A) The theory of continental drift B) The concept of plate tectonics C) The theory of subduction zones D) The idea of seafloor spreading Correct Answer: D) The idea of seafloor spreading Explanation: Harry Hess proposed the concept of seafloor spreading in 1962, suggesting that new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outward, pushing older crust away. This theory helped explain the formation of mid-ocean ridges, trenches, and other features observed during SONAR mapping of the seafloor. 13. What information can paleomagnetism provide? A) The temperature at which rocks were formed. B) The composition of minerals within rocks. C) The latitude and orientation of rocks at the time of their formation. D) The rate of erosion of rocks over time. Answer: C) The latitude and orientation of rocks at the time of their formation. Explanation: Paleomagnetism can provide valuable information about the latitude and orientation of rocks at the time of their formation by analyzing the alignment of magnetic minerals within them, offering insights into past geological events and the movement of tectonic plates. 14. Which technological advancement played a crucial role in the discovery of mid-ocean ridges, trenches, volcanoes, and enormous fracture zones? A) Invention of radar B) Development of satellite imaging C) Discovery of echo-sounder technologies D) Advancement of GPS technology Answer: C) Discovery of echo-sounder technologies Explanation: The use of echo-sounder technologies, later evolved into SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), allowed scientists to map the seafloor and make significant discoveries about the Earth's oceanic features, including mid-ocean ridges, trenches, volcanoes, and fracture zones. This technological advancement revolutionized marine exploration and understanding of oceanic geology. 15. Which of the following is NOT one of the 12 major tectonic plates? a) Pacific Plate b) Antarctic Plate c) Indian-Australian Plate d) Atlantic Plate Correct answer: d) Atlantic Plate Explanation: The 12 major tectonic plates include the Pacific, African, South American, North American, Eurasian, Antarctic, Indian-Australian, Cocos, Nazca, Caribbean, Philippine, and Arabian plates. The Atlantic Plate is not one of the major plates; instead, it is part of the larger North American, Eurasian, and African plates, which border the Atlantic Ocean.

16. Which type of tectonic boundary involves two plates sliding past one another? a) Divergent boundary b) Convergent boundary c) Transform boundary d) Subduction boundary Correct answer: c) Transform boundary Explanation: At a transform boundary, two tectonic plates slide horizontally past each other. This movement can result in earthquakes as friction and pressure build up along the boundary. An example of a transform boundary is the San Andreas Fault in California, where the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate slide past each other. 17. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of convergent boundaries involving oceanic and continental plates? a) Formation of a mid-ocean ridge b) Subduction of continental crust beneath oceanic crust c) Formation of deep trenches d) Creation of new oceanic crust Correct answer: c) Formation of deep trenches Explanation: In convergent boundaries where oceanic crust subducts beneath continental crust, deep trenches are formed at the boundary due to the oceanic plate being forced beneath the less dense continental plate. This process leads to the creation of subduction zones and the formation of deep oceanic trenches. Therefore, option c) is the correct choice. 18. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of divergent boundaries? a) Formation of new continental crust b) Subduction of one plate beneath another c) Enrichment of rock in silicon and aluminum d) Seafloor spreading and creation of new crust Correct answer: d) Seafloor spreading and creation of new crust Explanation: Divergent boundaries are characterized by the separation of tectonic plates, leading to the creation of new crust as magma rises from the mantle and solidifies at mid-ocean ridges. This process, known as seafloor spreading, results in the formation of new oceanic crust. Therefore, option d) is the correct choice. 19. What geological phenomenon is likely responsible for the formation of Alberta's mountains? a) Subduction zones b) Divergent boundaries c) Transform boundaries d) Microcontinent collisions Correct answer: d) Microcontinent collisions Explanation: Alberta's mountains are likely the result of a series of microcontinent collisions that occurred on the West Coast of British Columbia during the Mesozoic era. These collisions, occurring at around 250 million years ago (Ma), 180 Ma, and 90 Ma, led to the deformation and uplift of the region, forming the mountainous terrain we see today in Alberta. Therefore, option d) is the correct choice. 20. What geological process occurs at convergent boundaries between oceanic plates? a) Seafloor spreading b) Transform faulting c) Subduction

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d) Crustal rifting Correct answer: c) Subduction Explanation: At convergent boundaries between oceanic plates, the older, colder, and denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the younger, warmer, and less dense plate in a process known as subduction. This subduction creates a deep trench, and an arc of volcanic islands forms on the overriding plate due to magma generated by the melting of the descending plate. Therefore, option c) is the correct choice. 21. What geological feature is primarily formed when two continental plates collide? a) Deep ocean trench b) Volcanic island arc c) Rift valley d) Large mountain range Correct answer: d) Large mountain range Explanation: When two continental plates collide, they crumple and fold, resulting in the formation of large mountain ranges. The immense pressure and compression caused by the collision uplift the Earth's crust, leading to the creation of extensive mountain systems. The Himalayan Mountains, located at the collision boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates, are a prime example of this process. Therefore, option d) is the correct choice. 22. What type of movement characterizes transform boundaries? a) Upward movement b) Downward movement c) Side-to-side movement d) Vertical movement Correct answer: c) Side-to-side movement Explanation: Transform boundaries are characterized by the lateral movement of two tectonic plates along a fault line. Unlike divergent boundaries, where plates move away from each other, or convergent boundaries, where plates move toward each other, transform boundaries involve horizontal movement parallel to the boundary line. This movement is often associated with seismic activity and can lead to earthquakes. The San Andreas Fault in California is a classic example of a transform boundary. Therefore, option c) is the correct choice. 23. Which of the following represents a textbook example of a convergent boundary involving oceanic plates? a) The Mid-Atlantic Ridge b) The Himalayan Mountains c) The San Andreas Fault d) The Japan Trench Correct answer: d) The Japan Trench Explanation: The Japan Trench is a well-known example of a convergent boundary involving oceanic plates. At this boundary, the Pacific Plate is subducted beneath the North American Plate, leading to the formation of a deep trench. This process also results in the occurrence of volcanic islands, known as an "arc," along the overriding plate. The Japan Trench is an important textbook example of this type of convergent boundary. Therefore, option d) is the correct choice.

Geology Lab Test 1 Quiz - Plate Tectonics Q & A

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