Mr. Skvir
Name ____________________
Plate Tectonics Extra Credit Opportunity!
Each question below has a point value assigned to it. You may answer as many questions as you would
like, but you can earn a maximum of 10 points of extra credit. Remember, just because you answer a
question does not guarantee you will get full credit for it. Make sure your answers are accurate and
thorough!
(Write all answers neatly on a separate sheet of paper, including the number of the question you
are answering.)
1. Choose a single topic that relates to plate tectonics (continental drift, earthquakes, plate
boundaries, etc.). Find two different web sites that talk about this topic. Write the following
about EACH website: web address and a one paragraph summary of the information found on
the website. Then, write a one paragraph explanation of which website you found to be more
helpful in explaining whatever topic you were looking up. (3points)
2. Find a website that discusses a natural disaster caused by tectonic forces that has occurred in the
past 100 years. Describe the event including location, date of occurrence, destruction caused,
aftermath, etc. (1points)
3. Find two locations on the earth where there is an example of oceanic/oceanic convergence. Give
the examples and write the web address of where you found the information. (You may not use
Japan or the Philippines.) (1points)
4. Find two locations on earth where there is an example of a continental collision or
continental/continental convergence. Give the examples and write the web address of where you
found the information. (You may not use the Himalayas) (1points)
5. Find two locations on the earth where there is a transform boundary or lateral fault (strike-slip).
Give the examples and write the web address of where you found the information. (You may not
use the San Andres Fault in California). (1points)
6. Find the exact latitude and longitude of Delran, New Jersey. Write the numbers and the website
where you found the information. (1 point)
7. Assuming the plates are moving at a rate of 3 cm per year, how much further (in meters) would
Christopher Columbus have to travel in his boat to get from Europe to the Americas if he were to
travel here today? (Hint: Columbus made his trip in 1492). Show all your work in order to
receive credit for your answer. (3 points)
8. What are three possible causes of tsunamis? Write down the website where you found the
information with your answer. (1points)
9. Research the terms Gondwanaland and Laurasia and write a paragraph that explains what they
were (make sure to included details and facts) and what connection they have to continental drift.
(1 point each)
10. Go to geology.com and find the following information on American / New Jersey earthquakes:
(1 point each)
a.
Where, when, and what magnitude was the largest earthquake in America?
Where, when, and what magnitude was the largest earthquake in New Jersey?
b.
Where, when and what magnitude was the most recent earthquake in America?
Where, when and what magnitude was the most recent earthquake in New Jersey?