Part A

Question

Multiple Choice Question
200 million years ago, Earth’s landmasses were connected as a supercontinent called Pangaea. Throughout the history of planet Earth, this land mass has changed.

Part A: Which of the following is the most likely reason that the land masses have changed over time?
A.
Tectonic processes caused the movement of Earth’s plates and seafloor spreading 145 million years ago and continues to move today.
B.
Large plates of Earth’s surface greatly moved 145 million years ago but do not move in the present day.
C.
Earth’s plates have moved as far apart as possible, therefore they will not move any more.
D.
Erosion and weathering over long periods of time have caused these large plates to drift apart.
Part B
Multiple Select Question
Part B: Many scientists claim that the present day continents will continue to drift apart. Which evidence best support their claim? Select three correct answers.
A.
A volcano erupted approximately 35 years ago at Mount Saint Helens.
B.
Scientists know that the continents have come together and spread apart at least three times in the Earth’s history and this pattern will continue.
C.
Areas along the San Andreas Fault experience earthquakes on a regular basis.
D.
Louisiana’s coastline is disappearing at a rate of 75 km2 a year.
E.
Hurricane Lane hit land in Hawaii on August 22, 2018.
F.
Tornado activity in Kansas is increasing.

Answer 1

Part A:

The most likely reason that the land masses have changed over time is: A. Tectonic processes caused the movement of Earth’s plates and seafloor spreading 145 million years ago and continue to move today.

Part B:

The evidence that best supports the claim that the present-day continents will continue to drift apart includes: B. Scientists know that the continents have come together and spread apart at least three times in the Earth’s history and this pattern will continue. C. Areas along the San Andreas Fault experience earthquakes on a regular basis. A. A volcano erupted approximately 35 years ago at Mount Saint Helens (while this may not directly indicate continental drift, it does relate to tectonic activity).

So, the best selections are B and C for sure, and A can be seen as linked indirectly.

The other options (D, E, and F) do not provide direct evidence relating to the drift of continents.