Let’s go step by step to match each definition with the correct term from the word bank.
We are given 9 definitions and a word bank with these terms:
- CONVERGENT
- SUBDUCTION
- TECTONIC PLATE
- TRANSFORM
- DIVERGENT
- OCEANIC TRENCH
- SEA-FLOOR SPREADING
- SCIENTIFIC THEORY
- MID-OCEAN RIDGE
---
1. The lithosphere is broken into many small and large slabs of rocks called ______.
→ These slabs are known as
tectonic plates.
✔ Answer:
TECTONIC PLATE
---
2. The process by which the ocean floor sinks beneath a deep-ocean trench and back into the mantle is called ______.
→ This is when one plate goes under another — that’s
subduction.
✔ Answer:
SUBDUCTION
---
3. The place where two plates move apart is called a ______ boundary.
→ When plates move apart, it’s a
divergent boundary.
✔ Answer:
DIVERGENT
---
4. A ______ is a long chain of mountains that is found underwater.
→ Underwater mountain chains are called
mid-ocean ridges.
✔ Answer:
MID-OCEAN RIDGE
---
5. The process that continually adds new material to the ocean floor is called ______.
→ New ocean floor forms at mid-ocean ridges through
sea-floor spreading.
✔ Answer:
SEA-FLOOR SPREADING
---
6. A ______ is a deep underwater canyon.
→ Deep underwater canyons near trenches are called
oceanic trenches.
✔ Answer:
OCEANIC TRENCH
---
7. The place where two plates slide past each other is called a ______ boundary.
→ Sliding past =
transform boundary.
✔ Answer:
TRANSFORM
---
8. A well-tested explanation that explains a wide range of observations is called a ______.
→ In science, this is a
scientific theory.
✔ Answer:
SCIENTIFIC THEORY
---
9. The place where two plates come together is called a ______ boundary.
→ Coming together =
convergent boundary.
✔ Answer:
CONVERGENT
---
Now let’s double-check we used all words from the bank:
Used:
- TECTONIC PLATE
✔
- SUBDUCTION
✔
- DIVERGENT
✔
- MID-OCEAN RIDGE
✔
- SEA-FLOOR SPREADING
✔
- OCEANIC TRENCH
✔
- TRANSFORM
✔
- SCIENTIFIC THEORY
✔
- CONVERGENT
✔
All 9 terms used exactly once. Perfect.
Final Answer:
1. TECTONIC PLATE
2. SUBDUCTION
3. DIVERGENT
4. MID-OCEAN RIDGE
5. SEA-FLOOR SPREADING
6. OCEANIC TRENCH
7. TRANSFORM
8. SCIENTIFIC THEORY
9. CONVERGENT
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of plate tectonic boundaries worksheet.
