With reference to the rates of plate movement, consider the following statements: 1. The Arctic Ridge has the fastest rate of movement. 2. The rates of plate movement vary across the globe. 3. The East Pacific Rise has the slowest rate of movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only Explanation According to the Plate Tectonics Theory, the lithosphere is divided into several major and minor plates that move over the asthenosphere. The rates of this movement are not uniform and are determined by the intensity of the driving forces, such as ridge push and slab pull, acting on specific plate boundaries. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The rates of plate movement vary significantly across different parts of the globe. While some plates move very slowly, others move at a relatively rapid pace. - Statement 2 is Correct: The Arctic Ridge (specifically the Gakkel Ridge) has the slowest rate of movement, typically less than 2.5 cm per year. It is not the fastest. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The East Pacific Rise, located in the South Pacific Ocean (near Easter Island), has the fastest rate of movement, exceeding 15 cm per year. It is not the slowest. Key Takeaway: Plate movement rates are highly variable; the Arctic Ridge represents the slowest spreading center, while the East Pacific Rise represents the fastest spreading center globally.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 3: Distribution of Oceans and Continents

mcqmedium

With reference to the rates of plate movement, consider the following statements:

The Arctic Ridge has the fastest rate of movement.
The rates of plate movement vary across the globe.
The East Pacific Rise has the slowest rate of movement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1, 2 and 3
B1 and 3 only
C1 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

According to the Plate Tectonics Theory, the lithosphere is divided into several major and minor plates that move over the asthenosphere. The rates of this movement are not uniform and are determined by the intensity of the driving forces, such as ridge push and slab pull, acting on specific plate boundaries.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The rates of plate movement vary significantly across different parts of the globe. While some plates move very slowly, others move at a relatively rapid pace.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Arctic Ridge (specifically the Gakkel Ridge) has the slowest rate of movement, typically less than 2.5 cm per year. It is not the fastest.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The East Pacific Rise, located in the South Pacific Ocean (near Easter Island), has the fastest rate of movement, exceeding 15 cm per year. It is not the slowest.

Key Takeaway:

Plate movement rates are highly variable; the Arctic Ridge represents the slowest spreading center, while the East Pacific Rise represents the fastest spreading center globally.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Distribution of Oceans and Continents

According to Alfred Wegener, which of the following forces were responsible for the drifting of continents? 1. Convection currents in the mantle 2. Pole-fleeing force 3. Gravitational pull of Jupiter Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the Continental Drift Theory, consider the following statements: 1. It was first proposed as a comprehensive argument by Abraham Ortelius in 1596. 2. The supercontinent Pangaea began to split around 200 million years ago. 3. The northern component of the split landmass was named Laurasia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

medium

The "Mid-Oceanic Ridges" are characterized by: 1. A smooth dome at the crest. 2. A fractionated plateau. 3. A flank zone all along its length. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The "Pole-fleeing force" proposed in the Continental Drift Theory is attributed to:

easy

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The correct option is

2 only

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The rates of plate movement vary significantly across different parts of the globe. While some plates move very slowly, others move at a relatively rapid pace.
Statement 2 is Correct: The Arctic Ridge (specifically the Gakkel Ridge) has the slowest rate of movement, typically less than 2.5 cm per year. It is not the fastest.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The East Pacific Rise, located in the South Pacific Ocean (near Easter Island), has the fastest rate of movement, exceeding 15 cm per year. It is not the slowest.

Key Takeaway:

Plate movement rates are highly variable; the Arctic Ridge represents the slowest spreading center, while the East Pacific Rise represents the fastest spreading center globally.