US Plate Tectonics Quiz
North American vs Pacific Plate, boundaries, fault zones (10 questions).
US Plate Tectonics Quiz: Quick Study Notes
The vast majority of the continental United States rests on the North American Plate, but the western coastline is a dynamic mosaic of tectonic activity. From the famous San Andreas Fault where plates slide past one another to the subduction zones of the Pacific Northwest, understanding these tectonic boundaries is key to analyzing US physical geography and seismic risk.
Key Takeaways
- The North American Plate contains almost all of the US landmass.
- The Pacific Plate moves generally northwest relative to the North American Plate.
- The San Andreas Fault is a right-lateral strike-slip (transform) fault.
- The Aleutian Islands are formed by the convergence/subduction of the Pacific Plate.
- Hawaii is located on the Pacific Plate over a hot spot, not at a plate boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two major plates meet at the San Andreas Fault?
The San Andreas Fault is the boundary between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate.
Where is the Cascadia Subduction Zone located?
It is located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest, running from Northern California up through Oregon and Washington to British Columbia.
Is Hawaii near a tectonic plate boundary?
No, Hawaii is located centrally on the Pacific Plate. Its volcanoes are caused by a “hot spot” beneath the crust.
What causes earthquakes in the middle of the US, like near New Madrid?
These are “intraplate” earthquakes caused by stress reactivation of ancient buried faults deep within the North American Plate.
In which direction is the Pacific Plate moving relative to California?
The Pacific Plate is moving northwest relative to the North American Plate, averaging about 2 inches per year.
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