Plate tectonics homework answers

LAB MODULE 13: PLATE TECTONICS

Note: Please refer to the GETTING STARTED module to learn how to maneuver through, and how to answer the lab questions, in the Google Earth (GE.gif) component.

KEY TERMS

You should know and understand the following terms:

Continental Drift

Pacific Ring of Fire

Reverse Fault

Earthquakes

Pangaea

Subduction

Hotspots

Plate Convergence

Transform Fault

Normal Fault

Plate Divergence

Overthrust fault

Plate tectonics

LAB MODULE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After successfully completing this module, you should be able to do the following tasks:

· Explain the theory of plate tectonics

· Explain the theory of continental drift

· Identify and describe types of plate movement

· Identify and describe the three types of volcanoes

· Explain the concept of hotspots

· Compute the rates of plate movement

· Identify and describe the different types of faults

INTRODUCTION

This module examines plate tectonics. Topics include continental drift, tectonic landforms, plate boundaries, faults and hotspots. While these topics may appear to be disparate, you will learn how they are inherently related. The module starts with four opening topics, or vignettes, which are found in the accompanying Google Earth file. These vignettes introduce basic concepts of the internal structure of the Earth. Some of the vignettes have animations, videos, or short articles that will provide another perspective or visual explanation for the topic at hand. After reading the vignette and associated links, answer the following questions. Please note that some links might take a while to download based on your Internet speed.

GE.gif Expand the INTRODUCTION folder and then check Topic 1: Introduction.

GE.gif Read Topic 1: Introduction

Question 1: Based on this map, what is one continent in which there are two (or more) plates?

A. North America

B. Europe

C. Asia

D. Africa

GE.gif Read Topic 2: Continental Drift

Question 2: What was discovered in Antarctica that solidified Wegener’s theory of continental drift?

A. Snow and ice

B. Mineral deposits

C. Tropical plant fossils

D. Extinct volcanoes

GE.gif Read Topic 3: Tectonic Landforms

Question 3: Where do scientists think the next major ocean will be formed?

A. Gulf of Mexico

B. Iceland

C. Australia

D. East Africa

GE.gif Read Topic 4: Human Interaction

Question 4: Based on the article, which is not a reason why humans are drawn to plate boundaries.

A. Nice scenery

B. Geothermal energy

C. Fertile soil

D. Ore deposits

GE.gif Collapse and uncheck the Introduction folder. GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

GE.gif Expand GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE. Double-click and select Tectonic Plate Boundaries and Names to display the names on the globe of the major tectonic plates.

Millions of humans live near the major tectonic plate boundaries. The potential dangers of living on or near a plate boundary include earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis. However, these natural hazards do little to discourage people from settling in these cities, especially if the region has economic, religious, political or social importance.

GE.gif Expand and select Major Cities. Double-click and select Question 5. When you arrive at your destination, find the information to fill in the blanks below. Choose the two closest tectonic plates. Repeat this for Questions 5 to 8.