Science Olympiad Dynamic Planet Practice Test

Which term describes stress that pushes masses of rock in opposite directions?

1. Shearing

2. Tension

3. Stress

4. Compression

The correct answer is: Shearing

The term that describes stress that pushes masses of rock in opposite directions is shearing. Shearing occurs when forces act parallel to a surface, causing the rocks to slide past one another. This type of stress is often associated with transform plate boundaries, where two tectonic plates move sideways relative to each other, leading to faults and fractures in the Earth's crust. In contrast, tension refers to stress that pulls rocks apart, often seen at divergent plate boundaries, while compression involves stress that squeezes rock masses together, typically occurring at convergent plate boundaries. Stress is a general term that encompasses all forces acting upon rocks, but shearing specifically refers to the scenario where they are displaced laterally in opposite directions. Understanding these distinctions is critical when analyzing geological formations and tectonic activities.