Plate Motion Evidence Practice Test

Map 6 shows a coastline with a long, straight line on land labeled “fault trace.” Earthquake dots form a narrow band that follows the fault trace for hundreds of kilometers. There is no continuous line of volcano triangles along the fault trace. Two arrows on opposite sides of the fault point in opposite directions, parallel to the fault line. This pattern reflects movement over time because plates move slowly and continuously.

Which explanation fits the pattern shown?

Map 3 shows a continent on the left and ocean on the right. A line of volcano triangles runs down the continent near the coast. A broad zone of earthquake dots lies offshore and along the coast, with the highest concentration near a marked trench line. Arrows show the ocean-side plate moving toward the continent. This pattern reflects movement over time because plates move slowly and continuously.

A student makes four claims. Which claim is incorrect based on the map evidence?