Activities

1.  When two tectonic plates push against each other, what might happen?
   1. Mountains will slowly form.
   2. Oceans will form.
   3. A loud grinding sound will be heard.
   4. All of the above
      
      
2. ____________________ is the theory of how Earth’s continents move over its surface.
   1. Atomic Theory
   2. Continental Drift
   3. Big Bang Theory
   4. Chaos Theory
      
      
3. Compare and contrast the four types of mass movement.
   
   
4. List three examples of how earthquakes can change the landscape.
   
   
5. Based on your knowledge of the climate and physical features of the region in Pennsylvania where you live, predict what types of weathering are likely to occur. Use examples in your response.
   
   
6. Subduction zones have been described as “the biggest crash scene on Earth”. Why would they be described this way? Support your answer with details and examples of both types of subduction zones.
   
   

Answer Key/Rubric

1. A
   
   
2. B
   
   
3. Acceptable responses might include, but not be limited to:
   • Landslides – rock and soil that rapidly slides down a steep slope; moves as a single mass
   • Mudslide – mixture of water, rock and soil that slides down a steep slope; moves very quickly; can be the result of volcanic eruptions; known to bury entire villages
   • Fall or topple – rocks and other sediments fall or topple through the air and land at the bottom of a slope
   • Creep – very slow mass movement; happens over a long period of time; noticeable when fences, trees, or power lines start to lean
     
     
4. Acceptable responses might include, but not be limited to:

• Scars (one block of land has moved compared to another)
• Streams change course or can become blocked by rocks
• Land can be lowered causing water to flow in a different direction
• Fault valleys and troughs can be created
• Landslides or mud slides
• Raise or sink ground

5. Responses will vary depending on region.

6. Acceptable responses might include, but not be limited to:
   • Ocean plate meets a land plate – a deep sea trench is formed by the subducting plate and the overriding plate forms mountains and volcanoes.  Earthquakes can occur here.  Ex: Ring of Fire in Pacific Ocean
   • Two oceanic plates meet – a deep sea trench is formed by the subducting plate and the overriding plate creates a volcanic island arc.  Ex:  Mariana Trench and the Mariana Islands.  Earthquakes can occur here too.