Plate Tectonics Basics Review

Front

What is a tsunami and how is it generated?

Back

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, typically due to underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. Tsunamis can cause severe damage to coastal areas.

Front

In which direction is Los Angeles moving due to the San Andreas Fault?

Back

Los Angeles is moving northwest due to the lateral movement of the San Andreas Fault.

Front

What are the primary hazards associated with living near a volcano?

Back

The primary hazards include lava flows, ash fall, pyroclastic flows, volcanic gases, and lahars (volcanic mudflows).

Front

What is the difference between a fault and a plate boundary?

Back

A fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, while a plate boundary is the edge where two tectonic plates meet, which can include faults.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone in the Pacific Ocean basin characterized by high seismic and volcanic activity, where many tectonic plates meet.

Front

What is an earthquake and what causes it?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere, usually due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

What are the different types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are convergent (plates move toward each other), divergent (plates move apart), and transform (plates slide past each other).

Front

What is a volcanic eruption?

Back

A volcanic eruption is the release of magma, gas, and ash from a volcano, which can occur explosively or effusively.

Front

How can buildings be designed to withstand earthquakes?

Back

Buildings can be designed with flexible structures, reinforced materials, and base isolators to absorb seismic energy and reduce damage during an earthquake.