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AP®Environmental ScienceCollege BoardExam QuestionsUnit 4: Earth Systems & ResourcesPlate Tectonics

Plate Tectonics (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

8 mins8 questions
11 mark

Which of the locations on the map shows a subduction zone, creating an island arc?

World map with labelled boxes A, B, C, and D placed on North America, Central Asia, Europe, and East Asia respectively, on a light blue background.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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21 mark

Which of the locations on the map shows a divergent plate boundary, resulting in seafloor spreading?

World map with locations marked A in North America, B in Asia, C in Europe, and D in Oceania. Blue ocean background.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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31 mark

Which of the locations on the map shows where tectonic plates are being pulled apart, resulting in hot springs and geothermal energy production? 

World map with labelled boxes A, B, C, and D. A is in North America, B in Asia, C in Europe, and D in Eastern Asia. Blue background.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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41 mark

Which of the following best describes a divergent plate boundary?

  • Two tectonic plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes along faults.

  • Two tectonic plates collide, forming mountain ranges or subduction zones.

  • Two tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

  • One tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to volcanic activity.

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51 mark

Scientists are searching for suitable locations to build geothermal energy plants. Which of the following identifies a suitable site?

  • At a location at the equator

  • At hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor

  • At a tectonic plate boundary

  • At areas with hydraulic fracturing

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61 mark

Which diagram would exhibit volcanoes, island arcs and mountains?

Diagram showing four tectonic plate boundaries: A) Transform, B) Convergent, C) Strike-slip, D) Divergent; illustrating different movements and features.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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71 mark

Which diagram shows sea floor spreading that results in rift valleys and mid-ocean ridges?

Four cross-section diagrams labelled A to D showing tectonic processes: A. Convergent boundary, B. Divergent boundary, C. Transform boundary, D. Volcanic activity.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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81 mark

Which diagram shows the process that created the Hawaiian Islands?

Four diagrams illustrating tectonic plate boundaries: A shows fold mountains; B depicts a rift valley; C shows a transform fault; D illustrates a volcanic eruption.

  • A

  • B

  • C

  • D

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