Plate Tectonics Study Guide
1. Define plate tectonics.
2. What evidence is there to support the theory of plate tectonics?
3. Describe the continental drift theory. What scientist is given credit for it?
4. What causes the movement of plates? Describe this phenomenon.
5. Where do convection currents occur?
6. How many major plates have been recognized by scientists?
7. What are the 3 types of plate boundaries? Describe each thoroughly and tell what is expected to occur at the
different types of boundaries.
8. Be able to interpret a diagram of a spreading center.
9. Explain the elastic rebound theory. Draw a diagram to illustrate your point.
10. Where do most earthquakes occur?
11. How often do seismologists think that major earthquakes like the one in the 1800’s happen along the New
Madrid fault?
Vocabulary:
Pangaea
Earthquake
Continental Drift
Epicenter
Lithosphere
Focus
Asthenosphere
Elastic Rebound Theory
Convection Current
New Madrid Fault
Converging boundary
San Andreas Fault
Diverging boundary
Seismograph
Transform (sliding) boundary
Richter scale
Subduction