Learning Journal 5

Write a brief but thorough description of the general characteristics of a tectonic plate. Use no more than 2 sentences.

A tectonic plate occurs where the lithosphere is broken up into large and smaller plates. The movement of these plates at plate boundaries can cause things such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain belts.

Moderate to large earthquakes (magnitude 5 or larger) are generally most common in which of the following locations?

Along the margins of the Pacific Ocean.

Examine the four maps that show potential plate boundary configurations for the Atlantic Ocean and neighboring continents. Which map best represents the actual plate boundary locations?

C

Examine the four maps that illustrate potential plate boundary configurations for the Indian Ocean. Which map best represents the actual locations of plate boundaries?

D

How much of the mantle is represented in the asthenosphere?

Less than 10%

Which is the best description of the location of plate boundaries in the world's oceans?

The longest segments of plate boundaries are located in near the center of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and along the margin of the Pacific Ocean