Plate Tectonics Test
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Part I: Vocabulary—Match the word with the correct definition by placing
the letter of the word in the blank next to the definition. (4 points each)
plates
crust
Pangaea
ring of fire
mantle
trench
volcano
fault
aftershocks
core
erosion
hotspots
1_______________ long, narrow depression in the sea floor
2_______________ minor tremors
3_______________ opening in the volcano
4_______________ approximately 15 large masses of rock
5_______________ long area of frequent plate activity
6_______________ innermost part of the earth
7_______________ outermost layer of the earth
8_______________ weathering due to wind, water, sand movement
9_______________ theory of large super continent
10_______________ middle layer of earth
11_______________ opening in earth’s crust
12_______________ boundaries between plates
Part II: Cause & Effect—In the box below make a sketch of an effect with
appropriate labels and/or phrases to clarify the action-taking place. (10
points each)
On the lines below explain in your own words how and where the above
effect is caused. Circle all vocabulary words that you use. (10 points each)
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Part III: Short Answer—Answer the following questions with a word,
phrase, or sentence. Make sure that you answer the question completely.
(4 points each)
13. Earthquakes and volcanoes occur all over the world. However, most
of them occur along_____________________.
14. Explain how scientists measure earthquakes. ___________________
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15. Some volcanic islands, like Hawaii, form in the middle of plates.
Why?
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16. Wegener’s idea of continental drift helps explain why fossils of the
same organisms are found on different continents. What is
continental drift?
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17. Name the 3 major layers of the earth and describe each one.
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18. How do people know what happened in the ancient city of Pompeii
during the first century A.D.?
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19. Describe what happens when a volcano erupts.
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20. Describe what happens during an earthquake.
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21. Write your own question that you would like to explain and answer
it._________________________________________________________
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