Question

multiple choice question
the theory of plate tectonics explains how and why catastrophic geologic events occur on earth. the changes to earth’s surface that occur depend on the type of plates and the direction of movement. which choice describes how features such as fences and river can become offset?

• continental plate splits and moves apart
• an ocean plate collides with another ocean plate.
• continental plate slides past another continental plate
• an ocean plate collides with a continental plate.

Explanation:

To determine which plate movement causes features like fences and rivers to become offset, we analyze each option:

• Option 1 (continental plate splits and moves apart): This typically forms rift valleys or new ocean basins, not offsetting linear features.
• Option 2 (An ocean plate collides with another ocean plate): This forms subduction zones (e.g., island arcs), not offsetting surface features.
• Option 3 (continental plate slides past another continental plate): This is a transform plate boundary, where plates slide horizontally past each other. This movement causes shear stress, leading to the offset of linear surface features like fences and rivers (e.g., the San Andreas Fault).
• Option 4 (An ocean plate collides with a continental plate): This forms subduction zones (e.g., mountain ranges, trenches), not horizontal offset of surface features.

Answer:

C. continental plate slides past another continental plate