Unit 5 Geology Day 9: Tectonic Plate Boundaries

Big Idea

·      The motion______ of tectonic plates results in significant interactions along the plate boundaries. The types____ of plate motion are classified as boundaries_______.

·      The three types of plate boundaries are Divergent______ (pulling apart), Convergent_______ (pushing together) or Transform_______ (side by side interaction).

·      Plates move in different directions, so there is a lot of tearing_____ and crunching_____ where plates meet.

·      Divergent______ boundaries occur when two plates pull away from each other.

·      Convergent______ boundaries occur when two plates collide into each other.

·      Transform_______ boundaries occur when two plates slide horizontally past one another. 

How?

1. Look at the two plates. 
2. Look at the boundary between the two plates. 
3. Look at the two arrows on the plates. 
4. If the arrows are pointing away from each other it is a divergent boundary.
5. If the arrows are pointing towards each other it is a convergent boundary. 
6. If the arrows are parallel and pointing in opposite directions it is a transform boundary.

1. What is the difference between a divergent boundary and a convergent boundary?

A)     Divergent boundaries slide past each other horizontally, and convergent boundaries form mountain ranges and ocean trenches.

B)      Divergent boundaries run into each other, and convergent boundaries pull away from each other.

C)      Divergent boundaries pull away from each other, and convergent boundaries run into each other.

D)     Divergent boundaries form mountain ranges, and convergent boundaries slide past each other horizontally.

2. Which of the following statements best summarizes the main points of the passage?

A)     There are three types of plate boundaries: divergent, convergent, and transform. 

B)      In 2011, an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale shook the ocean floor.  It made a giant wave which grew up to 30 feet (9.14 meters) tall

C)      Tectonic plates have always moved and always will.

D)     Scientists study plate boundaries in order to understand tectonic movement, understand more about how plate movements can result in earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, and explore how to predict these events.

3. If a convergent boundary involves a continental landmass and an ocean basin, what is the result?

A)     A chain of volcanic mountains will form on the edge of the continent or just off shore; a deep ocean trench will form off shore.

B)      The land will fold and fault, forming high mountain ranges.

C)      The land at the edge of the continent will buckle, causing the formation of a trench.

D)     There will be frequent earthquakes, but no other evidence of crustal movement.

4. Which statement can be made about the above passage?

A)     Scientists can predict earthquakes, but not tsunamis.

B)      Tectonic plates have moved and reshaped continents, created and destroyed ocean basins, and caused earthquakes. 

C)      Meteorologists can broadcast news quickly about approaching disasters.

D)     Shifting of tectonic plates never affect people's lives.

StemsCopes Web Surfing Science

(Answer the questions while surfing through websites on STEMSCOPES)

Part I: Plate Tectonics

1. What two layers make up the lithosphere?

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2. What are the tectonic plates “floating” on?

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3. Which layer of the Earth is broken up in to tectonic plates?

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Part III: Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker

1. When the sea floor spreads apart it is called sea floor spreading. This is also called a ________________________ boundary. 

2. What happens to ocean crust and mantle after subduction? 

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3. Label each type of boundary below:

a) The boundary where two plates meet and trenches are formed.

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b) The plates move away from each other allowing magma to create new ocean crust.

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c) The plates move in opposite directions building up tension until they slip causing earthquakes.  

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