GEOG 1113L Lab 3: Plate Tectonics Quiz Questions and Answers 100%
PASS-GSU
1. Which scientist is credited with proposing the theory of Continental Drift?
A. Alfred Wegener
B. Charles Darwin
C. Harry Hess
D. Isaac Newton
Answer: A
Rationale: Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift theory in the early 20th century
based on fossil and geological evidence.
2. What was the name of the supercontinent that existed approximately 250
million years ago?
A. Gondwana
B. Laurasia
C. Pangea
D. Rodinia
Answer: C
Rationale: Pangea is the name given to the massive supercontinent that began to break
apart during the Mesozoic era.
,3. The lithosphere is composed of which two layers?
A. Oceanic crust only
B. Inner and outer core
C. Asthenosphere and mesosphere
D. Crust and upper mantle
Answer: D
Rationale: The lithosphere includes the crust and the rigid, uppermost portion of the
mantle.
4. What are the primary characteristics of the asthenosphere?
A. Brittle and cold
B. Liquid and flowing
C. Solid and immovable
D. Plastic and ductile
Answer: D
Rationale: The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid, ductile layer of the mantle upon which
tectonic plates float.
5. Which type of plate boundary occurs when two plates move away from each
other?
A. Convergent
B. Transform
C. Subduction
D. Divergent
Answer: D
Rationale: Divergent boundaries involve plates pulling apart, often creating new seafloor.
, 6. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a classic example of which type of boundary?
A. Convergent
B. Divergent
C. Transform
D. Hotspot
Answer: B
Rationale: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a mid-ocean ridge where the Atlantic Ocean floor is
spreading.
7. What happens at a subduction zone?
A. Plates slide past each other
B. Plates move apart
C. New crust is created
D. One plate sinks beneath another
Answer: D
Rationale: Subduction occurs at convergent boundaries where a denser plate sinks into
the mantle.
8. Which type of crust is generally thicker and less dense?
A. Oceanic crust
B. Mantle crust
C. Continental crust
D. Core crust
Answer: C
Rationale: Continental crust is thicker (up to 70km) and primarily granitic, making it less
dense than basaltic oceanic crust.
PASS-GSU
1. Which scientist is credited with proposing the theory of Continental Drift?
A. Alfred Wegener
B. Charles Darwin
C. Harry Hess
D. Isaac Newton
Answer: A
Rationale: Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift theory in the early 20th century
based on fossil and geological evidence.
2. What was the name of the supercontinent that existed approximately 250
million years ago?
A. Gondwana
B. Laurasia
C. Pangea
D. Rodinia
Answer: C
Rationale: Pangea is the name given to the massive supercontinent that began to break
apart during the Mesozoic era.
,3. The lithosphere is composed of which two layers?
A. Oceanic crust only
B. Inner and outer core
C. Asthenosphere and mesosphere
D. Crust and upper mantle
Answer: D
Rationale: The lithosphere includes the crust and the rigid, uppermost portion of the
mantle.
4. What are the primary characteristics of the asthenosphere?
A. Brittle and cold
B. Liquid and flowing
C. Solid and immovable
D. Plastic and ductile
Answer: D
Rationale: The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid, ductile layer of the mantle upon which
tectonic plates float.
5. Which type of plate boundary occurs when two plates move away from each
other?
A. Convergent
B. Transform
C. Subduction
D. Divergent
Answer: D
Rationale: Divergent boundaries involve plates pulling apart, often creating new seafloor.
, 6. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a classic example of which type of boundary?
A. Convergent
B. Divergent
C. Transform
D. Hotspot
Answer: B
Rationale: The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a mid-ocean ridge where the Atlantic Ocean floor is
spreading.
7. What happens at a subduction zone?
A. Plates slide past each other
B. Plates move apart
C. New crust is created
D. One plate sinks beneath another
Answer: D
Rationale: Subduction occurs at convergent boundaries where a denser plate sinks into
the mantle.
8. Which type of crust is generally thicker and less dense?
A. Oceanic crust
B. Mantle crust
C. Continental crust
D. Core crust
Answer: C
Rationale: Continental crust is thicker (up to 70km) and primarily granitic, making it less
dense than basaltic oceanic crust.
