Practice AP Environmental Science questions on plate boundaries, subduction, earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunami formation.
Plate-tectonic theory states that the Earth's lithosphere is broken into very slowly moving pieces or plates. Plate movements over vast stretches of time have led to the current orientation of our continents and oceans. Individual events along plate boundaries, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, pose periodic threats to human activity and ecosystems. The "Ring of Fire" is a term that describes the location of increased seismic and volcanic activity around the margins of the Pacific Ocean basin. On the map above, each dot represents a volcano or an earthquake.
Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines are examples of volcanic island chains that have formed along subduction zones between plates in the western Pacific.
Describe what happens when two tectonic plates collide along a subduction zone.
(1 point for a correct description of plate movement in a subduction zone)
- One plate is pushed beneath the other, or equivalent description
- A trench may be formed at the subduction zone
Explain how subduction leads to volcanic activity.
Explain how subduction leads to volcanic activity.
(2 points: 1 point for a correct explanation of one plate being pushed down and melted and 1 point for a correct explanation of molten material/magma rising to the surface near the zone)
In addition to volcanic activity, highly destructive tsunamis are generated along Pacific Plate subduction zones.
Explain how a tsunami is generated along a subduction zone.
Explain how a tsunami is generated along a subduction zone.
(2 points: 1 point for a correct explanation of tsunami generation resulting from an underwater earthquake and 1 point for a correct explanation of rapid water displacement leading to tsunami formation)
Southern California experiences periodic devastating earthquakes along the San Andreas Fault, which is a transform boundary located along the eastern edge of the Pacific Plate.
Describe what happens to the tectonic plates along a transform boundary at the moment when an earthquake occurs.
the earthquake occurs.
(1 point for a correct description of the movement of plates when an earthquake occurs)
- A large amount of energy is released
- Plates suddenly/rapidly slide past each other in opposite directions
Describe what happens to the tectonic plates along a transform boundary during the time between earthquakes.
(1 point for a correct description of tectonic plates along transform faults binding or locking-up causing pressure to build up over time)