Only a few periods of extensive glaciation lasting millions of years are recognized inthe geologic record, each separated from the others by long intervals of mild climate. Suchlong-term climatic changes probably result from slow geographic changes related to plate-tectonicactivity (the movement and interaction of the pieces of Earth's outer layer, called plates). Movingplates can carry continents to high latitudes where glaciers can exist, provided that these latitudesreceive enough precipitation as snow. Plate collisions, the Subsequent uplift of vast areas farabove sea level, and the changing atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns caused by thechanging shapes and positions of plates also contribute to long-term climate change.1. According to paragraph 2, plate-tectonic activity may contribute to long-term climatechange in all of the following ways EXCEPTA: by moving continents to different geographic locationsB: by increasing precipitation in low latitudesC: by lifting landmasses to higher elevationsD: by causing changes in air- and ocean-flow patterns

A: It has been extremely difficult for scientists to identify the causes of glaciation because most iceages occurred millions of years ago and left behind little geologic record.B: Some scientists have noted similarities between long-term and short-term climatic cycles of thePleistocene.C: Changes within the Sun itself are known to have a major influence on the amount of solarradiation received at any given latitude on Earth.D: Long-term glaciation is most likely caused by the movement and interaction of Earth's plates.E: The Milankovitch theory uses variations in Earth's rotation and orbit to explain the cyclicoccurrence of glacial periods that last tens to hundreds of thousands of years.F: Volcanic activity and variations in solar energy have been proposed but not established ascauses of climatic events that are hundreds of years long. It has been extremely difficult forscientists to identify the causes of glaciation because most ice ages occurred millions of years agoand left behind little geologic record.

A theory explaining ice ages must also address the fact that during the Pleistocene IceAge (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago) several intervals of glacial expansion separated by warmerinterglacial periods occurred. At least four major episodes of glaciation have been recognized inNorth America, and six or seven glacial advances and retreats occurred in Europe. Theseintermediate-term climatic events took place on timescales of tens to hundreds of thousands ofyears. The cyclic nature of this most recent episode of glaciation (i.e., during the Pleistocene) haslong presented a problem in formulating a comprehensive theory of climatic change.2. The word “comprehensive ”in the passage in meaning toA: complete B: convincing C: well supported D: widely accepted3. According to paragraph 3, which of the following is a fact that theories about ice ageshave had difficulty explaining?A: The Pleistocene was separated from the previous ice age by a long interval of mild climate.B: During the Pleistocene Ice Age, glacial advances and retreats alternated in a cyclic pattern.C: There have been notably fewer episodes of glaciation in North America than in Europe.D: The Pleistocene Ice Age gave way to milder climate about 10,000 years ago.

Continents have drifted apartbecause of[53rd to 55th BPSC (Pre) 2011](A) Volcanic eruptions(B) Tectonic activities(C) Folding and faulting of rocks(D) All of the above

To what extent does plate tectonics shape the Earth's surface features and influence geological processes? (115 words)

An environmental change is occurring due to continents shifting and moving to different parts of Earth’s surface. What kind of change is this? a short-term change due to global warming a long-term change due to tectonic plate movement a short-term change due to increasing levels of solar energy a long-term change due to forest fires