Plate Tectonics – Flashcards
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Tsunamis are caused by _______.
a.
underwater volcanoes
b.
El Niño
c.
underwater earthquakes
d.
global warming
answer
c.
underwater earthquakes
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Earthquakes can _______.
a.
trigger other earthquakes
b.
cause tsunamis
c.
cause billions of dollars in damages
d.
all of the above
answer
d.
all of the above
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The theory of plate tectonics describes _______.
a.
the movement of Earth's asthenosphere
b.
the difference between the lithosphere and the asthenosphere
c.
the movement of Earth's lithosphere
d.
none of the above
answer
c.
the movement of Earth's lithosphere
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El Niño is caused by _______.
a.
ocean currents
b.
the isolation of continents
c.
orography
d.
all of the above
answer
a.
ocean currents
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Which of the following is associated with plates moving away from each other?
a.
rifts
b.
subduction zones
c.
faults
d.
all of the above
answer
a.
rifts
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Explain how subduction zones are formed.
answer
Subduction zones are formed at convergent boundaries when tectonic plates collide. If one of the plates slides under the other plate, a subduction zone is formed.
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Explain why coastal cities are more likely to have moderate temperatures than cities that are in the center of continents
answer
Coastal cities are more likely to have moderate temperatures than cities that are in the center of continents, because the thermal properties of continents and oceans are different. Oceans experience a smaller temperature change than continents. Therefore, oceans moderate temperatures.
question
What is true of both earthquakes and volcanoes?
answer
Both earthquakes and volcanoes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, are potentially devastating to local environments, and occur inland less frequently than in coastal areas.
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Explain how mountains influence climate.
answer
Mountains affect rainfall by creating a rain shadow downwind of the mountain.
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Why did Antarctica's climate change approximately 50 million years ago?
answer
Antarctica's climate changed when it became isolated from the other continents
