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University of Phoenix Material

Effects of the Motions of Tectonic Plates Worksheet

From Visualizing Earth Science, by Merali, Z., and Skinner, B. J, 2009, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Copyright 2009 by Wiley. Adapted with permission.

Part 1

This diagram was similar to one Alfred Wegener drew to show the distribution of continents 300 million years ago. His theory of continental drift was met with skepticism in the scientific community.

1. Describe three forms of evidence Wegener used to support his ideas of continental drift. 2. • Continental Margins (Visually land masses fit together like a puzzle) 3. • Rock layers (similarity on the coast lines as well in a different continent 4. • Fossil evidence (How some animals were identical on the other side of the world, and how tropical plants were found in Arctic regions. 5. Years later, the continental drift theory reemerged as plate tectonic theory, with two additional pieces of evidence.

Refer to the images above. Discuss in detail the two pieces of additional evidence that supported Wegener’s theory, now known as the theory of plate tectonics.

Part 2

Write paragraph answers to the following questions using what you have learned from Visualizing Earth Science and the assigned WileyPlus® GeoDiscoveries®.

1. How does the motion of the tectonic plates affect the climate? 2. How does the motion of the tectonic plates affect the geography? 3. How does the motion of the tectonic plates affect the distribution of organisms?

Part 3

Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis have all been linked to plate movement. Indicate how plate movement would create them.

1. Earthquakes: 2. Volcanoes: 3.