Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the process of seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Where do mid-ocean ridges typically occur?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges occur at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What happens at oceanic-continental convergent boundaries?

Back

At oceanic-continental convergent boundaries, the denser oceanic plate is subducted beneath the continental plate, leading to the destruction of old crust and the formation of deep earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What types of boundaries are associated with volcanic activity?

Back

Volcanic activity is associated with divergent boundaries (where plates move apart) and convergent boundaries (where plates move towards each other).

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

How do tectonic plates interact at convergent boundaries?

Back

At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates move towards one another, which can lead to subduction, mountain building, and earthquakes.

Front

What are tectonic plates primarily composed of?

Back

Tectonic plates are primarily composed of the continental lithosphere (land) and oceanic lithosphere (ocean floor).

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, primarily due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle as the plates converge.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

Divergent boundaries typically form mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental lithosphere?

Back

Oceanic lithosphere is denser and thinner than continental lithosphere, which is thicker and less dense.