ESS.SCI.8.E

Explain how plate tectonics accounts for geologic processes, including sea floor spreading and subduction, and features, including ocean ridges, rift valleys, earthquakes, volcanoes, mountain ranges, hot spots, and hydrothermal vents.

Earth Systems Science · Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) · TEKS 2022

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Vocabulary
plate tectonicsgeologic processessea floor spreadingsubductionfeaturesocean ridgesrift valleysearthquakesvolcanoesmountain rangeshot spotshydrothermal vents
Skills
  • explain (how plate tectonics accounts for geologic processes and features) #dok2
  • identify (geologic processes and corresponding features resulting from plate tectonics) #dok1
  • analyze (relationships between plate tectonic movements and resulting Earth features) #dok3
  • differentiate (types of geologic features formed by various plate boundaries) #dok2
  • summarize (the effects of plate tectonics on Earth's surface) #dok1
Learning Targets
  • I can identify geologic features such as ocean ridges, rift valleys, and mountain ranges. #dok1
  • I can summarize how plate tectonics leads to earthquakes, volcanoes, and other surface features. #dok1
  • I can explain how plate tectonics causes geologic processes, including sea floor spreading and subduction. #dok2
  • I can differentiate between features formed by convergent, divergent, and transform plate boundaries. #dok2
  • I can analyze data or models to show how the movement of tectonic plates creates specific Earth features. #dok3
Big Ideas
  • Plate tectonics is the driving force behind many geologic processes and surface features on Earth.
  • Interactions at different types of plate boundaries result in a variety of recognizable landforms and geological events.
Essential Questions
  • How does plate tectonics explain the formation of features like ocean ridges, rift valleys, and mountain ranges?
  • What geologic processes result from the movement of tectonic plates?
  • How do different types of plate boundaries produce specific Earth features such as volcanoes and earthquakes?
  • In what ways does plate tectonics influence the landscape and geological activity across the globe?
  • How can evidence of past tectonic activity be observed in present-day Earth features?