Year 8 Science • AC9S8U03 • Authored homework
Plate Tectonics and Earth Processes
Use Earth structure and plate movement to explain earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains and seafloor changes. Answer in full sentences where useful, and use evidence or examples in longer responses.
Part A
Short-answer questions
Name the main layers of Earth from outside to inside.
What is a tectonic plate?
Define a divergent plate boundary.
Define a convergent plate boundary.
Define a transform plate boundary.
What type of plate boundary is most commonly linked with mid-ocean ridges?
Explain why earthquakes often occur near plate boundaries.
What evidence can scientists use to infer that plates move?
How can a volcano form at a subduction zone?
Write one sentence linking mantle movement to plate motion.
Part B
Long-answer questions
Explain how convection in the mantle can contribute to tectonic plate movement.
Compare what happens at divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries. Include one landform or hazard for each.
Use plate tectonics to explain why earthquakes and volcanoes are not randomly spread across Earth.
Describe how seafloor spreading provides evidence for plate movement.
Explain how the Himalayas could form from the collision of two continental plates.
A student says, “Continents float around on the ocean.” Correct this statement using tectonic plate ideas.
Interpret a map showing earthquake locations clustered around the Pacific. What pattern would you expect and why?
Explain why models of Earth’s interior are useful even though scientists cannot directly observe all layers.
Describe the sequence of events that can happen when an oceanic plate subducts beneath a continental plate.
Write a full explanation of how plate tectonics connects slow Earth processes with sudden natural hazards.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Research one real earthquake, volcano or mountain range. Explain which plate boundary is involved, what evidence shows plate movement and how the event affected people or the environment.