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EnglandGeologyQuick questions
Module 3: Global tectonics - Plate tectonics
Quick questions on Plate tectonics theory and evidence: continental drift, sea-floor spreading and palaeomagnetism - OCR A-Level Geology
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is continental drift (Wegener)?Show answer
In 1912 Alfred Wegener proposed that the continents had once been joined in a supercontinent (Pangaea) and had since drifted apart. His evidence:
What is sea-floor spreading (Hess)?Show answer
The missing mechanism came from the ocean floor. Harry Hess proposed sea-floor spreading: new oceanic crust is created by basaltic magma rising at mid-ocean ridges, then moves outwards on both sides as the ridge keeps erupting. Supporting evidence:
What is q1?Show answer
State two pieces of evidence Wegener used for continental drift. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Explain why oceanic crust is youngest at a mid-ocean ridge. [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Name the three forces that drive plate movement. [2 marks]
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