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Science
Quarter 1– Module 7
The Earth’s Mechanism:
Causes of Plate Movement
Science – Grade 10
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 7: The Earth’s Mechanism: Causes of Plate Movement
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education – Schools Division Office of Quezon City

Local Government of Quezon City
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Jenilyn Rose B. Corpuz
Honorable Mayor Josefina Belmonte Alimurung

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Mrs. Carol C. Sombria

Editors: Mrs. Carmencita Diapo
Mrs. Jovita T. Legaspi
Reviewers: Dr. Maria Pilar O. Capalongan
Mrs. Ma. Nimfa R. Gabertan
Dr. Edna R. Galiza
Illustrators: Ms. Carol C. Sombria
Mr. Angelo C. Sombria
Layout Artist: Mr. Roland P. del Rosario
Management Team: DR. JENILYN ROSE B. CORPUZ, CESO IV, SDS
MR. FREDIE V. AVENDANO, ASDS, IN-CHARGE CID
MR. JUAN C. OBIERNA, CHIEF CID
DR. HEIDEE F. FERRER, EPS – LRMS
DR. MARIA PILAR O. CAPALONGAN, EPS - SCIENCE

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Office Address: Nueva Ecija St., Bago Bantay Quezon City

Telefax: 3456-0343
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E-mail Address: sdoqcactioncenter@gmail.com
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Science
Quarter 1 – Module 7:
The Earth’s Mechanism: Causes of
Plate Movement
HOW TO USE THIS MODULE
Before you start answering the Supplementary Learning Material (SLeM), kindly
set aside other tasks that will disturb you while enjoying the lessons. Read carefully the
instructions below to successfully attain the objectives of this kit. Have fun!
1. Read carefully all the contents and follow the instructions indicated in every part
of this SLeM.
2. Write in your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Keep in mind that writing
develops and enhances learning
3. Perform all the provided activities in the SLeM.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THIS MODULE

Expectations This will provide what you will be able to know
after completing the lessons in the SLeM.
Pre-test This will assess your prior knowledge and the
concepts to be mastered throughout the
lesson.
Looking Back to Your Lesson This section will measure the skills that you
learned and understand from the previous
lesson.
Brief Introduction This section will give you an overview of the
lesson.
Activities These are activities designed to develop your
critical thinking and other competencies that
you need to master. This can be done solely or
with your partner depending on the nature of
the activity.
Remember This section summarizes the concepts and
applications of the lessons.
Check Your Understanding This will verify how you learned from the
lesson.
Post-test This will measure how much you learned from
the entire SLeM.

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 Expectations
Lesson 1: Seafloor Spreading
This Supplementary Learning Material will help you to:
● Describe the mid-ocean ridge as one of the discoveries of seafloor spreading.
● Identify the process in the formation of seafloor.
● Cite the events in the seafloor spreading.
● Simulate seafloor spreading.

Let us start your journey in learning more about seafloor spreading. I am sure you are
ready and excited to answer the Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

Pre-Test

DIRECTIONS: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the CORRECT
answer and write it on a separate sheet of paper

1. Who is the American geologist who introduced the concept of seafloor spreading together
with Robert Dietz in the 1960s?
A. John Butler B. Charles Darwin C. Harry Hess D. Alfred Wegener

2. What happen when the magma flows out from the crack when the seafloor is pulled apart?
A. It subducts C. It becomes fault
B. It causes an earthquake D. It becomes the new seafloor

3. When the seafloor is pushed far from the mid-ocean ridge, this allows the creation of rift
valley. Which of the given choices below is an example of this event?
A. Red Sea C. Mt. Everest
B. Himalayan Peak D. San Andreas Fault

4. Where the old seafloor destroys when it gets farther from the ridge?
A. at the fault C. at the Earth’s core
B. at the rift valley D. at the subduction zone

5. Which of the following best describes seafloor spreading?

A. It is the theory of moving lithospheric plates.
B. Old seafloor are found at the mid-ocean ridge.
C. New seafloor is formed near the mid-ocean ridge and moves outward.
D. Continent were once large landmass, broke apart and drifted from each other.

Looking Back at Your Lesson

In the previous modules, you were able to describe and relate the distribution
of active volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, major mountain belts to Plate
Tectonic Theory, and different types of plate boundaries. On the other hand, you were tasked to
explain the different processes that occur along the plate boundaries. Let’s check your
understanding of these learning competencies by answering first this short activity before we
proceed to the main competencies in this module.

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Brace Map
The Brace Map is a graphic organizer that helps identify whole and part relationships. To
check your understanding of the previous lessons, your task is to supply each part of the map
by writing the correct phrase/word in the blank. Choices are provided in the box below.

TYPES OF PLATE
BOUNDARIES

Moving away from each other Transform Convergent Divergent

Moving towards each other Mountains Earthquakes Volcanoes
Sliding past each other Faults Trenches Earthquakes
Oceanic ridge Earthquakes Rift valleys

Brief Introduction
In the 1960s, Harry Hess, an American geologist, together with Robert
Dietz introduced the concept of seafloor spreading. Here are the step by step processes on how
seafloor spreading happens: (See Figure 3)
1. The hot, less dense materials in the mantle are in motion. This will slowly rise and will spread
sideways.
2. The seafloor above is then pulled apart, created a
crack in the crust where magma flows out, and
becomes the new seafloor and builds up the mid-
ocean ridge. An example is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
(see Figure 1). The reason why the mid-oceanic
ridges are made up of volcanic rocks and give off
heat.
3. When the new seafloor pushes the old seafloor
far from the mid-oceanic ridge, this allows the
creation of a rift valley and develops to new bodies of
water. An example is the Red Sea, created, the Figure 1: Mid-Atlantic Ridge
African Plate and the Arabian Plate moved away from Source:https://commons.wikimedia.org/
each other
(See Figure 2).
4. On the other hand, as the new seafloor is formed at the mid-ocean ridge, the old seafloor
farthest from the ridge is destroyed at the subduction zone. This zone occurs when oceanic
and continental plates collide. One of the geological features formed is an oceanic trench and
the reason why there are earthquakes in the deep-sea areas.
5. When the new seafloor slowly carried away towards the oceanic trenches and becomes old
seafloor, it goes back inside the earth.
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Figure 2: Red Sea Figure 3: Diagram of Seafloor Spreading

Source:https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Activities
Activity 1.1 ALL ABOUT RIDGE
Identify the 5 correct descriptions about mid-ocean ridge by checking (√)
the box before each statement.
It is made up of volcanic rocks.
It is formed when a cracked created in the crust.
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is one of the examples of a mid-ocean ridge.
Earthquakes were associated with ridges.
It is formed when two oceanic plates collide.
The scientists were able to map the mid-ocean ridge using sonars.
The new seafloor formed at the mid-ocean ridge.

Activity 1.2 FORMATION OF NEW SEAFLOOR

Arrange the formation of the new seafloor by writing numbers 1 to 5 in the box before
each statement.
The seafloor above is pulled apart and forming the crack in the crust.
The magma flows out from the crust.
The magma cools down and becomes the new seafloor.
This slowly raises and spreads sideways.
The hot less dense materials in the mantle are in motion.

Activity 1.3 WHAT IS SEAFLOOR SPREADING?

Arrange the sequence of events about the seafloor spreading. Write letters A to E in the
second column. Identify the geological features, processes involved, and subsequent effects in
the process that happened in each event in the third column.

Proper Geological features/processes

Events
sequence involved/subsequent effects
The new seafloor pushed the old seafloor
far from the mid-oceanic ridge.
Magma flows out from the crack in the
crust and becomes the new seafloor.
The old seafloor is destroyed as it pushes
away from the mid-oceanic ridge
Old seafloor goes back inside the earth.
The subduction zone occurs when two
plates collide.

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Activity 2. SEAFLOOR SPREADING MODEL
(Adapted from https://www.hpcsd.org)
Materials:
2 sheets of bond paper (letter size or legal size) glue pair of scissors

Procedure:
1. Use the first sheet of bond paper, copy the sheet of lined paper (see Attachment no.
5 as reference)
2. Carefully cut the paper following the dotted lines at the center. (see Attachment no. 5
as reference)
3. Use the second sheet of bond paper. Fold the paper in eighths then unfold (see
Attachment 1 as reference)
4. Fold the second sheet in half lengthwise, (see Attachment 2 for reference), then
measure 5.5 cm long in the middle and the part nearest to both ends of the paper. Don’t
forget to draw a mark on each pleat to serve as a guide.
5. Cut the lines (see Attachment 2 as reference) following the marks then unfold the
paper. Three slits are there already, one at the center and two near to both ends of the
paper (see Attachment 3 as reference).
6. Place the two strips of paper together on the slits.
7. Pull the ends of the strips and observe what happens at the center slit.
8. Continue pulling the strips through the slits until you can make the two strips come up
and go down at the same time (see Attachment 4 as reference)

Attachment 1 Attachment 2 Attachment 3 Attachment 4

(Fold in half lengthwise)

Attachment 5
Guide Questions:
1. What does the sheet of lined paper represents?
2. What geological feature of the seafloor does the middle slit
represents?
3. Based on your answer in number 1, what occurs in this
feature?
4. What process happens at the two- side slits represent?
5. What geological feature is formed at the two- side slits?

Application:
Compare the seafloor (represented by the sheet of
lined paper) at the middle slit from the seafloor near the side
slits.

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 Remember
Seafloor spreading is a process where the new seafloor is formed near to the
mid-ocean ridge and carried away to the trenches, destroyed at the subduction
zone, goes back to the Earth, and being recycled.

Check Your Understanding

Use the diagram to answer the following questions.
1. What is located in no. 1?
2. What feature occurs in no. 5?
3. What is happening in no. 4?
4. As the molten rocks cool down, what will form in no 2?
5. What happens to the seafloor in no. 3?

Post-Test
DIRECTIONS: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the CORRECT
answer.

1. The hot, molten material that rises towards the surface of the mid-ocean ridge flows
___________, carrying the seafloor _________ from the ridge.
A. forward, toward C. forward, away
B. sideways, away D. sideways, toward

2. Is it true that (I) Mid-ocean ridges is one of the discoveries in the study of the seafloor and (II)
they are made up of volcanic rocks and gives off an unusually high amount of heat?
A. I but not II B. II but not I C. Both I and II D. Neither I nor II

3. Which of the following best describe the rocks in the mid-ocean ridge?
I. Younger II. Older III. Made up of volcanic rocks
A. I only B. II and III C. I and III D. I, II, III

4. What do you think will correspond to the figure on the

right?
A. 1 new seafloor, 2 trench, 3, old seafloor, 4
mid-ocean ridges, 5 subduction zone
B. 1 mid-ocean ridge, 2 new seafloor, 3 old
seafloor, 4 subduction zone, 5 trench
C. 1 new seafloor, 2 old seafloor, 3 subduction
zone, 4 trench, 5 mid-ocean ridge
D. 1 subduction zone, 2, trench, 3 old seafloor, 4 mid-ocean ridge, 5 new seafloor

5. Based on the study of seafloor spreading, earthquakes happen in the deep-sea areas. Which
of the following geologic feature explains this event?
A. rift valley B. oceanic trench C. mid-ocean ridge D. convection current

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 Expectations
Lesson 2: Causes of Plate Movement
This Supplementary Learning Material will help you to:
● Identify and describe the causes of plate movement.
● Differentiate the causes of plate movements between seafloor spreading and continental
drift.

Let us start your journey in learning the possible causes of plate movement. I am sure
you are ready and excited to answer the Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

Pre-Test
DIRECTION: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the CORRECT answer.
1. All are the main drivers of plate movement, except?
A. fault B. ridge push C. slab pull D. convection current

2. Which of the following causes the plates to move away from each other?
A. slab pull B. earthquake C. ridge push D. convection current

3. What force that acts on the new, raised seafloor around mid-ocean ridges?
A. gravity B. magnetic C. friction D. normal

4. What happens when the rock near the edge cools down?
A. sinks B. subducts C. denser D. destroy

5. (I) Is it true that the older, colder seafloor is denser (II) and becomes mid-ocean ridge?
A. I is true but not II C. Both I and II are true
B. II is true but not I D. Both I and II are not true

Looking Back at Your Lesson

Let’s check your understanding of the previous lesson about seafloor
spreading. Read and analyze the statements. Write IN on the next column if
the statement is correct and OUT if the statement is incorrect.

Is it about seafloor spreading? IN or OUT?

1. The old seafloor eventually destroys at the subduction zone.
2. The new seafloor pushed the old seafloor far from the mid-ocean ridge.
3. When the magma flows out of the crack, it cools down and destroyed at
the subduction zone.
4. Seafloor spreading allows the creation of new bodies of water.
5. Rocks far from the mid-ocean ridge are younger.

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 Brief Introduction
Mechanisms of the Possible Causes of Plate Movement
A. Convection Current
Due to the tremendous heat underneath the
Earth’s surface, the hot materials in the mantle rise
because of its low density while the relatively cooler
materials sink due to higher density. The rising and
sinking cycle repeats over and over. As a result, the
mantle materials gradually circulate, forming a
convection current that drives the seafloor in
motion. This process causes the plates to
move away from each other. (See Figure. 5) Figure 5: Main Drivers of Plate Movement:
Convection Current, Ridge Push, and Slab Pull
B. Ridge Push
This is the result of gravitational forces acting on the new, raised seafloor around mid-
11 than the rest of the seafloor. When the rocks
ocean ridges as it occurs at a higher elevation
near the ridge cools down, it becomes denser and gravity pushes away the seafloor towards the
trench at the subduction zone.
C. Slab Pull
This causes plate movements. The older, colder seafloor is denser, sink at the
subductions zone under its weight and pulls the rest of the plates into the mantle.

Activities
Activity 1. DRIVERS OF PLATE MOVEMENT
The graphic organizer utilizing in this activity is a TREE MAP. It is used for classifying or
grouping. Complete the treemap. Fill in the boxes and give the corresponding description/s for
each answer.

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Activity 2. PUSH, PULL, AND TURN AROUND
Study the illustration below and write the correct number on the third column that
corresponds to the term/s given in each item.

No. Mechanism of Causes Answer

of Plate Movements
1. Ridge Push
2. Convection Current
3. Slab Pull
4. Gravitational Force
5. Upward and sideward
forces

Activity 3. SEAFLOOR SPREADING vs CONTINENTAL DRIFT

Read and analyze each statement in the box. Write a smiley ☺ face in the circle if it is
about the cause of plate movement based on Seafloor Spreading Theory and a sad face ☹ if
based on Continental Drift Theory.

1. Convection current 2. Bigger, solid 3. The older, colder

makes the tectonic plates to continents broke through seafloor is denser, sink
move slowly along the the oceanic crust. at the subductions zone.
tectonic boundaries

5. The rocks near the ridge cools

4. Earth’s crust continually move down, it becomes denser and gravity
through unmoving oceans pushes away the seafloor to the
subduction zone.

Remember
A convection current is the current in the mantle which drives the seafloor in
motion causes the plates to move away from each other.

Ridge Push is one of the causes of plate movements and happens when the rocks near the
ridge cools down, it becomes denser and gravity pushes the seafloor towards the trench at the
subduction zone.

Slab Pull the older seafloor becomes denser, this will sink at the subduction zone under its
weight and pull the rest of the plate down to the mantle.

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 Check Your Understanding
Complete the table below to describe the causes of plate movement.

Drivers of Plate Movement Location Cause Movement

convection current mantle 3. 5.
1. mid-ocean ridge gravitational force slide sideways
slab pull 2. 4. pulling the plate down

Post-Test

DIRECTION: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the CORRECT
answer.

1. Where does convection current occurs?

A. mantle B. crust C. lithosphere D. core

2. Which of the following movements of the tectonic boundaries are the effects of convection
current?
i. pushing each other ii. sliding past each other iii. drifting away from each other

A. i and ii B. i, and iii C. i, ii and iii D. ii and iii

3. Study the illustration on the right, what mechanism of

plate movement happened in number 3?
A. slab pull C. ridge push
B. transform D. convection current

4. What process causes one tectonic plate to sink

beneath another at a subduction zone?
A. slab pull C. transform
B. ridge push D. convection current

5. Slab Pull: Mantle ; Ridge Push :

A. mantle B. core C. ridge D. fault

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Email Address: sdoqcactioncenter@gmail.com

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