Plate tectonics readworks answer key – Delve into the realm of plate tectonics with our comprehensive answer key to Readworks’ captivating exploration. Uncover the intricacies of Earth’s crustal movements, their profound effects, and the applications that illuminate our understanding of our planet’s history.
From the theory of plate tectonics to the evidence from earthquakes, volcanoes, and fossil distribution, this guide provides a thorough examination of the forces that shape our world.
1. Plate Tectonics
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth’s lithosphere. The lithosphere is the rigid outermost layer of Earth, and it is divided into a number of tectonic plates. These plates move around the Earth’s surface, and their interactions with each other are responsible for a wide range of geological phenomena, including earthquakes, volcanoes, and the formation of mountains and ocean basins.
Types of Plate Boundaries
There are three main types of plate boundaries:
- Convergent boundaries: These are boundaries where two plates move towards each other. When two continental plates collide, they can form mountains. When an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, the oceanic plate is usually subducted beneath the continental plate, and this can cause volcanoes to form.
- Divergent boundaries: These are boundaries where two plates move away from each other. When two oceanic plates diverge, new oceanic crust is formed in the gap between them. When two continental plates diverge, a rift valley is formed.
- Transform boundaries: These are boundaries where two plates slide past each other. Transform boundaries are often associated with earthquakes.
Causes of Plate Movement
The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the Earth’s mantle. The mantle is the layer of Earth beneath the lithosphere, and it is made up of hot, molten rock. Convection currents in the mantle cause the plates to move around the Earth’s surface.
2. Evidence for Plate Tectonics
Evidence from Earthquakes
Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. When two plates collide, they can cause the ground to shake. The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the amount of energy that is released during the earthquake. The larger the magnitude of an earthquake, the more damage it can cause.
Evidence from Volcanoes
Volcanoes are formed when magma from the Earth’s mantle rises to the surface. Magma is molten rock, and it can erupt from volcanoes in the form of lava, ash, and gas. Volcanoes are often found along plate boundaries, and they can be a hazard to human populations.
Evidence from the Distribution of Fossils
The distribution of fossils can also be used to support the theory of plate tectonics. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms that lived in the past. The distribution of fossils can tell us about the past movement of tectonic plates.
For example, the same fossils have been found on different continents, which suggests that these continents were once connected.
3. Effects of Plate Tectonics: Plate Tectonics Readworks Answer Key
How Plate Tectonics Creates Mountains
Plate tectonics can create mountains in two ways. First, when two continental plates collide, they can form mountains. This is because the plates are pushed together, and the rock on the edges of the plates is forced upwards. Second, when an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, the oceanic plate can be subducted beneath the continental plate.
This can cause the continental plate to buckle, and this can also form mountains.
How Plate Tectonics Forms Ocean Basins
Plate tectonics can also form ocean basins. When two oceanic plates diverge, new oceanic crust is formed in the gap between them. This new oceanic crust is thinner and denser than the older oceanic crust, and it causes the ocean floor to sink.
This can create ocean basins.
How Plate Tectonics Causes Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Plate tectonics can cause earthquakes and volcanoes. Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates. When two plates collide, they can cause the ground to shake. The magnitude of an earthquake is a measure of the amount of energy that is released during the earthquake.
The larger the magnitude of an earthquake, the more damage it can cause. Volcanoes are formed when magma from the Earth’s mantle rises to the surface. Magma is molten rock, and it can erupt from volcanoes in the form of lava, ash, and gas.
Volcanoes are often found along plate boundaries, and they can be a hazard to human populations.
4. Applications of Plate Tectonics
How Plate Tectonics Is Used to Find Natural Resources, Plate tectonics readworks answer key
Plate tectonics can be used to find natural resources. For example, oil and gas are often found in sedimentary rocks that have been formed in ocean basins. Plate tectonics can be used to identify areas where these sedimentary rocks are likely to be found.
How Plate Tectonics Is Used to Predict Earthquakes and Volcanoes
Plate tectonics can be used to predict earthquakes and volcanoes. By studying the movement of tectonic plates, scientists can identify areas where earthquakes and volcanoes are likely to occur. This information can be used to help people prepare for these events.
How Plate Tectonics Is Used to Understand the History of the Earth
Plate tectonics can be used to understand the history of the Earth. By studying the movement of tectonic plates, scientists can learn about how the Earth’s surface has changed over time. This information can help us to understand the evolution of life on Earth.
Detailed FAQs
What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
Convergent, divergent, and transform
How do plate tectonics contribute to the formation of mountains?
When plates collide, they can push up material to form mountains
What is the evidence for plate tectonics from the distribution of fossils?
Fossils of the same species found on different continents indicate that they were once connected
