Introduction
We have recently studied the structure of the
inside of the Earth. We will now be journeying
to discover the processes that shape the
surface of the Earth, or the crust.
Task
Many of the landforms we see today were
formed from processes that happen way
below the crust. Today you will begin on a
journey that will help you better understand
why these processes take place. Also, you
will leave with a better understanding of how
the Earth’s surface is continuously changing.
Process
You will answer a series of questions
regarding Continental Drift, Sea Floor
Spreading, Plate Tectonics, and
Boundary Types
 You will then meet back with a group the
next day to compare your answers.
 We will be using this information for
activities over the following days.

Research Questions
For questions 1-4:
www.sci.csuhayward.edu/~lstrayer/geol2101/2101_Ch19_03.pdf
1. What is continental drift?
2. Who discovered this theory?
3. List 4 pieces of evidence this scientist
used to prove his theory. (Provide
examples of each)
4. Why was this theory not widely
accepted?
For 5-6: http://library.thinkquest.org/17457/platetectonics/4.php
5. Explain the process of Sea Floor
Spreading.
6. Infer where the ocean floor is the newest.
For 7-22: www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/plates1.html
7. What is Plate Tectonics?
8. How many major plates are there and what
are there names?
9. How fast do these plates move?
10. What happens within the mantle that
drives the movement of these plats?
11. Draw a diagram of a convergent
boundary.
12. Explain what happens at a convergent
boundary.
13. Explain why it might be dangerous to live
near a convergent boundary.
14. Give an example of where you could find
a convergent boundary on Earth’s surface.
15. Draw a diagram of a divergent boundary.
16. Explain what happens at a divergent
boundary.
17. Explain why it might be dangerous to live
near a divergent boundary.
18. Give an example of where you could find
a divergent boundary on Earth’s surface.
19. Draw a diagram of a transform boundary.
20. Explain what happens at a transform
boundary.
21. Explain why it might be dangerous to live
near a transform boundary.
22. Give an example of where you could find a
transform boundary on Earth’s crust.
BONUS
Research the Ring of Fire (not the
Johnny Cash song).
 Write a brief paragraph that explains
what it is, where it can be found, and
why it can be found where it is.
