Colliding tectonic plates

Colliding tectonic plates

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This task is about earthquakes and tectonic plates.
Colliding tectonic plates
The diagram shows two of the plates that make up the Earth's surface colliding with each other. In this collision one plate is going under the other plate. Some of the associated geological features with this have been drawn in the diagram.
Explain why the following geological features or events have occurred.

Question 2Change answer

a)  Why are earthquakes occurring in this area?

Question 2Change answer

b)  How did the mid-ocean ridge form?

Question 2Change answer

c)  Why is an ocean trench present?

Question 2Change answer

d)  Why do volcanoes occur in this area?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
Earth systems, plate tectonics, volcanoes, diagrams
Description of task: 
Using a stimulus diagram showing plate tectonics, students explain why the following geological features or events; earthquakes, mid-ocean ridge, ocean trench, and volcanoes are present.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss
  • the evidence provided in a diagram that can be used to make inferences.
  • the meaning conveyed by arrows in specific science diagrams.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
 
Y10 (06/2000)
a) Because of plate movement. easy
b) A mid-ocean ridge is created as magma rises through the upper mantle in the ocean at the plate boundaries. (This process is due to convection currents within the earth). very difficult
c) An ocean trench is formed when one plate is pushed under another. difficult
d) (In a subduction zone) heat and pressure build up, this can lead to the formation of magma which escapes through weak parts in the Earth's crust. very difficult