PLATE TECTONICS REVIEW 1
Unit LEQ: How has the Earth’s surface changed throughout its history? What caused these changes and what
role did it play in macroevolution?
Section 1: Structure of the Earth
Vocabulary
1. Lithosphere
2. Asthenosphere
3. Crust
4. Mantle
5. Core
Concept:
6. What are the two ways Earth’s interior is divided? List the internal layers based on each division.
7. Explain how the seismic waves are used to study Earth’s interior. How do you know the outer core is a
liquid?
Section 2: Theory of Continental Drift
Vocabulary
1. Continental drift
2. Pangaea
3. Fossils
Content:
4. Explain what the Theory of Continental Drift states and who is given credit for it.
5. List and explain four lines of evidence that were used to support the continental drift theory.
6. Explain why Wegener’s theory was rejected by his peers.
Section 3: Theory of Sea-Floor-Spreading
Vocabulary
1. Mid-Ocean ridge
2. Sea-Floor-Spreading
3. Ocean trench
4. Subduction zone
5. Rift Valley
6. Explain what the Theory of Sea-Floor-Spreading states and who was given credit for the theory.
7. How does Sea-Floor-Spreading support the Theory of Plate Tectonics?
Section 3: Theory of Plate Tectonics
Vocabulary
1. Plate Tectonics
2. Paleomagnetism
3. Normal polarity
4. Reversed polarity
5. Plates
6. Explain what the Theory of Plate Tectonics states.
7. List and explain the 4 lines of evidence that were used to support plate movement.
8. What is the driving mechanism for the plates and explain how it works.
Section 4: Theory of Plate Tectonics and its effect on Earth
Vocabulary
1. Continental volcanic arc
2. Volcanic Island arc
3. Hotspot
4. Convection current
5. Divergent boundary
6. Convergent boundary
7. Transform fault boundary
8. Draw and label a picture showing what occurs at each boundary given:
a. Divergent boundary
i. Give a land and ocean example of this type of boundary.
b. Continental/Oceanic Convergent boundary
i. Give two examples of this type of boundary
c. Oceanic/Oceanic Convergent boundary
i. Give two examples of this type of boundary
d. Continental/Continental Convergent boundary
i. Give two examples of this type of boundary
e. Explain what happens at a Transform Fault boundary and give an example of one.