Practice explaining how tectonic plate movement causes earthquakes and changes Earth's surface.
Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences and show your thinking when needed.
How moving plates shape Earth's surface
Earth Science - Grade 6-8
- 1
What is a tectonic plate?
- 2
Name the three main types of plate boundaries.
- 3
Describe what happens at a divergent plate boundary.
- 4
Describe what happens at a convergent plate boundary.
- 5
Describe what happens at a transform plate boundary.
- 6
What causes most earthquakes?
- 7
What is a fault?
- 8
Explain the difference between the focus and the epicenter of an earthquake.
- 9
How can the movement of tectonic plates build mountains?
- 10
Why are many earthquakes found near plate boundaries?
- 11
A student says that continents float on melted rock like boats on water. Is this fully correct? Explain.
- 12
What evidence supports the idea that Earth's plates move over time?
- 13
How does seafloor spreading provide evidence for plate tectonics?
- 14
A map shows frequent earthquakes along the west coast of South America. What does this suggest about the plate boundary there?
- 15
Explain one way people can reduce earthquake damage in cities.