Name _____________________ Block_______
PLATE TECTONICS: web quest
Introduction
Almost all of the processes that shape our Earth are affected by what is going on deep
under the crust. The formation of volcanoes is evidence that the inside of the earth is not
just solid rock, and the growth of mountains implies immense forces at work to push
mountains so high. In fact, the movement of material in the Earth even affects the
weather that we have. Many scientists believe that life would not be possible on Earth if it
were not for the activity going on miles beneath our feet.
Process
Use the website links provided, and answer the following questions. Each group of
questions has a recommended website link to search for the answers. Use the space
provided to answer each question. You can also write your answers on a separate piece of
paper.
Recommended Link For questions 1-3
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/do12we.html
1. What evidence did Alfred Wagner use to support his theory of continental drift?
2. Why do you think people didn't believe continental drift theory when Wagner first
explained it?
3. Who were the two scientists that brought forth supporting evidence to Wagner's
theory, and what was their evidence?
Recommended Link For questions 4-8
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/understanding.html
4. What are the three different types of plate boundaries, describe each type?
5. Give an example of a location on Earth where each type of plate boundary is present.
6. What are the three different types of convergent plate boundaries?
7. Give an example of a location on Earth where each type of convergent plate boundaries
occurs.
8. Explain how convergent plate boundaries and ocean trenches are related.
Recommended Link For questions 9-10
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/unanswered.html
9. What is a convection current or cell, describe how it works (use a picture if you want)?
10. What are the two main sources of heat inside the Earth?
Recommended Link For questions 11-12
http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/tectonics.html
11. What are two bad things that can happen as a result of plate tectonics, how did plate
tectonics cause these events?
12. What are three good things that plate tectonics provide for humans, how do plate
tectonics provide these things?
Conclusion (mandatory)- One Paragraph Essay on Plate Tectonics
How will knowing about plate tectonics help you to understand the world around you (at
least one paragraph)?
When writing your paragraph, don't forget to include a topic sentence, facts about the
subject, your opinion or comments, and a conclusion. You can use the space below to write
your essay.