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10
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SCIENCE
Quarter I – Week 8
Plate Tectonics
Evidences of Plate Movement

CONTEXTUALIZED LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

SCHOOLS DIVISION OF PUERTO PRINCESA CITY
Science – Grade 10
Contextualized Learning Activity Sheets (CLAS)
Quarter I- Week 8: Plate Tectonics: Evidences of Plate Movement
First Edition, 2021

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 Lesson 1

Evidences of Plate Movement

\

MELC: Enumerate the lines of evidences that support plate movement.

(S10ES –Iaj-36.3)

Objectives: 1. Identify the evidences cited by scientists to support Continental Drift

Theory and later, Plate Tectonics Theory.
2. Explain how these evidences helped in the development of Plate
Tectonics.

Let’s Try
Directions: Read each statement carefully. Write the letter of your answer on the space
provided before each number.

___1. Numerous evidences were presented by scientists all over the world
to support Alfred Wegener. What primary evidence had drawn
Wegener’s supporters to his Continental Drift Theory?
A. Structure and rock type similarities between continents.
B. Glacial scars on mountains and rocks of various continents.
C. Fossils of plants and animals that could never cross the vast
ocean.
D. The obvious fit of most of the continents, specifically Africa and
South America.

___2. To prove that continents have displaced, various pieces of evidence

were presented. Which one is NOT an evidence of the Continental Drift
Theory?
A. Fossil evidence
B. Glacial evidence
C. Magnetic Reversal Evidence
D. Mountain and Rock Type evidence

___3. Glacier grooves are found in Africa. What does this evidence prove?
A. Africa has never changed position.
B. Africa was always near the equator.
C. Many plants and animals inhabited the continent.
D. Africa was once a continent that had a very cold climate.

___4. Which of the following evidences is/are presented in the discovery of

mid- ocean ridge and trenches?
I. Plates are massive and dense that it can’t drift.
II. Newly created crust pushes the plates away from each other.
III. Trenches are a result of old oceanic crust going beneath the
continental plate.
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. Both II and III

15
___5. At first, the Continental Drift Theory was not well-received by other
scientists. However, an important discovery brought them to believe
Alfred Wegener. Which of the following discoveries changed their
views?
A. The picture of continents taken from a space station.
B. The map of seafloor with mid-ocean ridge and trenches.
C. Glacier deposits in the coastlines of South America and West
Africa.
D. Excavation of numerous fossils of plants and animals from 200
million years ago.

___6. Why is it impossible for the plants and animal fossils to cross
adjacent continents?
I. Mesosaurus is a land-dwelling reptile.
II. Glossopteris’ seeds and its parts are massive.
III. Cynognathus and Lystrosaurus are freshwater reptiles.
A. I and II B. II and III C. I and III D. I, II and III

___7. Volcanic island chains, like Hawaii, are formed by the action of a hot
spot underneath it. What important discovery was supported by this
geologic structure?
A. Plates can move past each other.
B. Plates are formed at transform boundaries.
C. Plates are made up of varied magnetic polarities.
D. Hot spots create a new crust and destroy old ones.

___8. In the early 1960s, scientists observed that the new ocean floor is
built in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. If the seafloor is spreading,
then ____
I. The younger crust is formed at the mid-ocean ridge.
II. The age of crust gets older on both side of the mid-ocean ridge.
III. There is symmetrical pattern of magnetic field on either side of
mid- ocean ridges.
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. I, II and III

___9. Frederick Vine and Drummond Matthews were the first to present
proof of seafloor spreading. What did magnetic field reversal prove as
evidence?
A. It proved that the Earth is made up of various magnetic fields.
B. It presented the idea that magnetic field changes with the climate.
C. It gave some clues on what organisms lived on earth millions of
years ago.
D. It revealed that in every geologic time, earth’s magnetic field
changes suggesting it has changed its location.

___10. Which of the following theories formed the Plate Tectonics Theory?
A. Evolution and Classroom Theory
B. Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading
C. Origin of the Oceans and Magnetic Anomalies
D. Mantle Convection and Magnetic Field Reversal

16
 Let’s Explore and Discover
Do you know that, at this moment, the ground underneath your feet is
drifting really slow, that you don’t even notice it moving?

This activity will test your memory of the plates and how they move.

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Opposite each statement, write

numbers 1-6 to arrange the events in proper order.

Statements
A. As mantle becomes heated, its density decreases andpressure
increases.
B. Mantle convection is the force that drives plate movement.
C. The rising of magma and sinking of denser crust result in vertical
convection within the mantle and create seafloor spreading.
D. Cooler and denser crust is pushed to the subduction zonewhere it
sinks.
E. High pressure magma rises to the surface and forces the lithosphere
to crack into plate-like sections, forming new crustin the process.
F. Newly formed crust pushes the old ones sideways initiating
horizontal movement of plates.

Unlocking of Difficulties
Continental Drift Theory is a theory that provides evidences on how continents were
once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

Did you notice how obviously the shapes of West Africa and South America fit?
Why do you think they look like torn pieces of each other?
The Earth’s spherical surface is broken up into large plate-like sections called
tectonic plates. Most tectonic plates are made of the oceanic crust and continental
crust. They move atop the underlying mantle, a layer of hot flowing rock. The way these
plates constantly move relative to each other and meet in various ways along their ‘plate
boundaries’ result to the formation and disintegration of continents (Herma D. Acosta, et
al. Science 10 Learner’s Material, Department of Education, 2015,10). Your previous
lesson presented Mantle Convection Theory and Slab Pull Theory as the driving force of
plate movement. Now, here are the evidences that support it.
Who started it all?
Alfred Lothar Wegener, a German meteorologist, geophysicist,
and polar researcher, proposed the Continental Drift Theory
in his book, ‘The Origin of Continents and Oceans’ published
in 1915. He hypothesized that this Pangaea broke into
continents and drifted on the ocean bed to be in their present
location (Herma D. Acosta, et al. Science 10 Learner’s
Material, Department of Education, 2015, 57). Figure 1. Alfred Lothar Wegener
(1880-1930)
17
 Since the formulation of Wegener’s theory, evidences that support geological
phenomenon have surfaced from other parts of the world. To prove the theory, the
continents were reassembled based on how they might have appeared, millions of years
ago. In addition, similarities within the continents were determined to point out possible
connections that would support this hypothesis.
Evidences from Continental Drift Theory
Continental Drift was not a work of Alfred
Wegener alone, but an accumulated scientific idea of
geologists who support it. Here are the evidences
gathered by scientists that aided the formulation of the
Continental Drift Theory.

➢ Glacial Evidence
Glaciers are slow-moving ice that flow from
mountains to the valleys. Since they move slowly,
glaciers leave behind rocky debris and scrape the
rocks in their way downward. Do you notice how the
Figure 2. Evidence from the Permo
brown arrow points to the direction of glacial Carboniferous glaciation
motion? Tracing the trail of ice sheets and the
direction of its motion on surroundin
continents,scientists were able to see how clearly,
they were once a single continent (“Glacial Deposits,”
geolsoc.org.uk, last modified 2012, https://www. Plate-
Tectonics/Chap1-Pioneers-of- Plate-Tectonics.)

➢ Fossil Evidence
Various fossils of ancient organisms were found
in continents adjacent to each other. Remains of
land-dwelling reptiles-Lystrosaurus and Cynognathus
and freshwater reptile Mesosaurus were notably
found in a number of continents separated by large
ocean.
Another fossil of seed fern Glossopteris was
discovered across India, Australia, South Africa, and
South America. This plant fossil was exactly alike in Figure 3. Distribution pattern of
all these continents. Scientists thought these plant fossils of ancient plants and
and animal species couldn’t just swim or drift across animals.
continent and survive the vast ocean. They reasoned that such fossil was possible
only if these continents were connected. Below are the modern-day representations of
the fossil evidences (Source: Herman D. Acosta et.al., Science 10 Learner's Material,
Department of Education, 2015, 59.)
Notice the description of the following plant and animal species. Why is it impossible
for Cynognathus and Lystrosaurus to cross the vast ocean? What prevented the
Mesosaurus and fern Glossopteris to survive the journey across continents?

MESOSAURUS CYNOGNATHUS GLOSSOPTERIS LYSTROSAURUS

freshwater reptile land reptile fern land reptile

18
 Figure 4. Real life representation of plant and animal fossils discovered in various continents.

➢ Continent Fit Evidence

This is the most obvious clue, noted by early
mapmakers, pointing that the continents were once
joined. Coastlines of Africa and South America facing
each other, when drawn together, are like puzzle pieces
that fit perfectly. Very little misfit between the two
continents was said to have been caused by soil erosion
(Source: Herman D. Acosta et.al., Science 10 Learner's
Material, Department of Education, 2015, 59.) Figure 5. Continent Fit of
South America and Africa
➢ Structure and Rock Type Evidence
Structures like mountain ranges and rock types
also provide strong evidence of a once massive
continent. Mountain range that ends in the coast of
South Africa appears to be a continuation of the
mountain range in coast of South America. Cratons,
rocks that have formed as foundation of the continents
millions of years ago, match those of other continents
(Source: Herman D. Acosta et.al., Science 10 Learner's
Figure 6. Mountain Ranges of
Material, Department of Education, 2015, 61.) South America and Africa
Despite all these evidences, the force that propels the oversized continents to
move, continues to be unknown. For this reason, Continental Drift Theory was
forgotten and Alfred Wegener was not given credit until the discovery of plate
tectonics.

The end of the World War II marks the start of the golden age in the field of
Geological Science. Technologies were exhausted in search of sunken
submarines and other war vessels under the ocean floor. This effort
accidentally led to the discovery of mid-ocean ridge and accelerated the
development of Plate Tectonics Theory (“Pioneers of Plate Tectonics,”
geolsoc.org.uk, last modified 2012, https://www. Plate-Tectonics/Chap1-
Pioneers-of- Plate-Tectonics.)

Seafloor Spreading Evidence

➢ Mid Ocean Ridge and Trenches Evidence
The much-awaited explanation onhow continents could actually drift was rendered
by Harry Hamond Hess in1962. Hess was a geology professor and served in the US
Navy in World War II (“Pioneers of Plate Tectonics,” geolsoc.org.uk, last modified 2012,
https://www. Plate-Tectonics/Chap1-Pioneers-of- Plate-Tectonics.)

While using the sonar to map the ocean floor, he

discovered the mid- ocean ridge and trenches. Figure 7. Mid-Ocean Ridge and Trenches
He noticed their strategic locations in the middle Source: https://www.eartheclipse.com
of the ocean and closeness to continental
boundaries, respectively. This led him to propose
the Seafloor Spreading Theory. New crusts form
in the mid ocean ridge and move sideways as it
grow older. This motion pushes the old crust to
the subduction zone, where it sinks below the
Figure 8. Subduction and Seafloor
underlying mantle. In the process, trenches are Spreading
formed. (Source: Herman D. Acosta et.al., Science 10
Learner's Material, Department of Education, 2015,
65.)

19
 Seafloor spreading theory was not original to Hess. In 1929, Arthur Holmes, a British
geologist, proposed that mantle convection was behind tectonic plate movement.
(Source: Herman D. Acosta et.al., Science 10 Learner's Material, Department of
Education, 2015, 65.)
➢ Magnetic Field Reversal Evidence
Fred Vine and Drummond Matthews,
both British geologists, conducted the
first scientific test of seafloor spreading.
They published their idea of “Magnetic
anomalies over oceanic ridges” in 1963.
Their hard work paved the way to two
important discoveries in geology:
magnetic stripes and the age of rocks in Figure 9. Magnetic Reversal at Mid Ocean Ridge.
the ocean floor.
They found out that both sides of the mid- ocean ridge have symmetrical pattern of
magnetic stripes. Magnetite in basalt rocks, formed in mid ocean ridge, aligns itself
with the earth’s current magnetic field. When it cooled, its magnetic field is preserved.
Magnetic stripes and age of rocks on both sides of the mid-ocean ridge were observed
to be the same at same distance. This reversal of magnetic polarity and varied age of
oceanic crusts confirms Seafloor Spreading theory of Hess (“Pioneers of Plate
Tectonics,” geolsoc.org.uk, last modified 2012, https://www. Plate-Tectonics/Chap1-
Pioneers-of- Plate-Tectonics.)

➢ Volcanic Island Chain Evidence

Plate Tectonics Theory was completed by a

Canadian geologist, John Tuzo-Wilson In 1965. He
explained the formation of the Volcanic Island
Chain in Hawaii. He stated that as the Pacific
plate moves slowly over a fixed hot spot, (magma
source from the mantle), volcano is formed. Later,
when that plate area made it past the hotspot, the
volcano loses magma source, hence, it becomes
Figure 10. Volcanic Island Formation
inactive.

Meanwhile, a new volcano forms on Pacific plate area located above the hotspot. In no
time, he discovered the transform faults, as Pacific plate moves past the North
American Plate. An example of this plate movement is the San Andreas Fault (“Pioneers
of Plate Tectonics,” geolsoc.org.uk, last modified 2012, https://www. Plate-Tectonics/Chap1-
Pioneers-of- Plate-Tectonics.)

➢ Mantle Convection Evidence

The viscosity of the lower mantle’ was

published in 1966 by Dan McKenzie. In it,
McKenzie stated that the mantle is made up of
two layers and both layers are moving. He
added that this motion of the mantle propels
tectonic plate movement (Source: “Pioneers of
Plate Tectonics,” geolsoc.org.uk, last modified
2012, https://www. Plate-Tectonics/Chap1-
Pioneers-of- Plate-Tectonics.) All these mounting Figure 11. Convection Current in the
evidences formed the Plate Tectonics Theory. Mantle

20
 Let’s Practice

Directions: Search for the clues that support the Continental Drift Theory by matching
column A with Column B. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided before
each number

Column A Column B
1. Fossil Evidence

2. Glacial Evidence

3. Continent Fit Evidence

4. Structure and Rock Type Evidence

Directions: Complete the name of the evidence or concept being described.

Then, draw a line to connect the evidence/concept to its definition.

This is a preserved print or mark, of ancient plant or

animal, on rocks that may give clues on the life forms
F _
and environment of prehistoric time.
Its name means ice. They form on top of the
mountains and moves slowly towards the valleys.
G _
. This is a hypothesis that once, a supercontinent
broke up and drifted along the ocean bed.
C_____D______T

These are geological structures in a continent, found

to be a continuation of the same structure found in
M R
another continent facing it.

Two continents that are separated by a vastocean,

yet show a perfect fit.
S_____A_____and A

How about you, do you think Alfred Wegener has enough

evidence to support his claim?

21
 Let’s Do More

Directions: Unscramble the letters to reveal the name of the geologist that
supported the Plate Tectonic Theory and state how their evidence helped in
the development of Plate Tectonics. Choose your answer from the box below.

He explained how mantle conducts plate movement.

He mapped the magnetic polarity of the earth.

He proposed the Sea Floor Spreading theory.

He proposed the Continental Drift Theory.

He discovered transform faults and hot spots.

SCRAMBLED
LETTERS NAME OF GEOLOGIST Contribution to Plate Tectonics

OJHN UTZO-ILOWNS

RALDFE EWENEGR

ARYRH SHES

EDFRIRCEK VIEN

NDA MZCENIEK

Directions: Complete the box by filling in the appropriate information that

unites the given concept. Choose your answers from Land Reptile
Lystrosaurus, Frederick Vine, Magnetic Field Reversal, Structure and
Rock Type Evidence
A. B.

John TuzoWilson Dan Mckenzie Glaciers on Fossils of

plate plants and
Boundaries animals
Harry Hess Amazing fit of
continents
C. D.

Volcanic Island Mid ocean Ridge Water Land reptile

Chain reptile Mesosaurus
Cynognathus
Trenches Seed fern
Glossopteris

22
 Let’s Sum It Up

Complete the concept map. Choose your answer from words below
Volcanic Island Chain Mid-Ocean Ridge and Trenches Magnetic Field Reversal
Structure and Rock Type Continental Drift Theory Continent Fit

Plate Tectonics

Seafloor
Spreading

Evidences Evidences

Mantle
Glacial Fossil Convection

Let’s Assess
Directions: Read each statement carefully. Write the letter of your answer on the space
provided before each number.

___1. Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in his book, The Origin of
Continents and Oceans’ published in 1915. Which statement is TRUE?
A. Wegener’s evidence does not support Continental Drift.
B. All evidence of Continental Drift Theory lacks a scientific basis.
C. Some people ignore Wegener’s theory because he could not explain how
continents moved.
D. Alfred Wegener was able to prove that the continents were moving by
presenting various pieces of evidence.
___2. Numerous evidences were presented by scientists all over the world to support
Alfred Wegener. What primary evidence had drawn Wegener’s supporters to his
Continental Drift Theory?
A. Structure and rock type similarities between continents.
B. Glacial scars on mountains and rocks of various continents.
C. Fossils of plants and animals that could never cross the vast ocean.
D. The obvious fit of most of the continents, specifically Africa and South
America.

23
___3. A theory is a scientific idea that is yet to be investigated before it can be proven
correct. Which of the statements below pertains to Continental Drift Theory?
A. The earth’s crust is made up of plates that are in constant motion.
B. It is the idea that continents move towards each other to form a single land
mass.
C. A belief that continents were too big in size, they could never have moved
elsewhere.
D. A hypothesis that the continents were once a single landmass that has
broken into large parts and drifted apart.
___4. Glacier grooves are found in Africa. What does this evidence prove?
A. Africa has never changed position.
B. Africa was always near the equator.
C. Many plants and animals inhabited the continent.
D. Africa was once a continent that had a very cold climate.
___5. Which of the following evidences is/are presented in the discovery of mid- ocean
ridge and trenches?
I. Plates are massive and dense that it can’t drift.
II. Newly created crust pushes the plates away from each other.
III. Trenches are a result of old oceanic crust going beneath the continental
plate.
A. I only B. II only C. III only D. Both II and II
___6. At first, the Continental Drift Theory was not well-received by other scientists.
However, an important discovery brought them to believe Alfred Wegener. Which
of the following discoveries changed their views?
A. The picture of continents taken from a space station.
B. The map of seafloor with mid-ocean ridge and trenches.
C. Glacier deposits in the coastlines of South America and West Africa.
D. Excavation of numerous fossils of plants and animals from 200 million
years ago.
___7. Volcanic island chains, like Hawaii, are formed by the action of a hot spot
underneath it. What important discovery was supported by this geologic
structure?
A. Plates can move past each other.
B. Plates are formed at transform boundaries.
C. Plates are made up of varied magnetic polarities.
D. Hot spots create a new crust and destroy old ones.

___8. Frederick Vine and Drummond Matthews were the first to present proof of
seafloor spreading. What did magnetic field reversal prove as evidence?
A. It proved that the Earth is made up of various magnetic fields.
B. It presented the idea that magnetic field changes with the climate.
C. It gave some clues on what organisms lived on earth millions of years ago.
D. It revealed that in every geologic time, earth’s magnetic field changes
suggesting it has changed its location.
___9. Seafloor spreading theory began with the discovery of mid-ocean ridge and
trenches and its relationship to existing volcanoes and certain geologic
phenomena. Who proposed this theory?
A. Dan McKenzie
B. Drummond Matthews and Frederick Vine
C. Harry Hess
D. John Tuzo-Wilson
___10. Which of the following theories formed the Plate Tectonics Theory?
A. Evolution and Classroom Theory
B. Continental Drift and Seafloor Spreading
C. Origin of the Oceans and Magnetic Anomalies
D. Mantle Convection and Magnetic Field Reversal
24
 Answer Key
Let’s Practice
1.D 2.C 3.D 4.D 5.B 6. D 7.A 8.D 9.D 10.B

Let’s Explore and Discover

1. C
2. A
3. D
4. B

1.Fossil
2.Glacier
3.Continental Drift Theor
4. Mountain Range
5. South America and Africa

Let’s Do More

References
Book

Acosta, Herman D., Liza A. Alvarez. Dave G. Angeles. Ruby D. Arre. Ma. Pilar P.
Carmona. Aurelia S. Garcia. Arlen Gatpo. Judith F. Marcaida. Ma. Regaele A.
Olarte. Marivic S. Rosales. and Nilo G. Salazar. Science Grade 10 Learner’s
Material. First Edition. Pasig City. Department of Education.-Bureau of
Learning Resources. 2015.

25
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