Plate Tectonic Theory: Quiz

Who proposed Plate Tectonic Theory in 1915?

The theory states that the lithosphere is split into [blank_start]plates[blank_end] which float on the mantle and core of the Earth.

The crust is thick compared to the mantle and core.

The core causes the temperature of the mantle to [blank_start]go up[blank_end]. This causes [blank_start]convection currents[blank_end], which cause hot magma to [blank_start]rise[blank_end] and cool magma to [blank_start]sink[blank_end] in the mantle. The convection of the magma in these currents drags the plates in the crust in the [blank_start]same[blank_end] direction as the current through the processes of [blank_start]ridge[blank_end] push and [blank_start]slab[blank_end] pull.

The core of the Earth is approximately 6000 degrees Celsius.

How many types of plate are there?

Continental Plates are much heavier than oceanic plates.

Oceanic crust is composed mostly of [blank_start]basalt[blank_end], has a thickness of approximately [blank_start]5-10km[blank_end] and is [blank_start]younger than[blank_end] continental crust.

When a continental and oceanic plate collide, which is subducted?

Continental crust is composed mostly of [blank_start]granite[blank_end], has a thickness of approximately [blank_start]20-200km[blank_end] and is [blank_start]older than[blank_end] oceanic crust.