Plate tectonics flashcard

Front

These arrows represent a ______ plate boundary

Back

Divergent

Answer explanation

These arrows indicate the movement of tectonic plates away from each other, which is characteristic of a divergent plate boundary. Therefore, the correct answer is 'divergent'.

Front

What type of plate boundary forms earthquakes?

Back

Transform

Answer explanation

Transform plate boundaries are where tectonic plates slide past each other, causing friction and stress that lead to earthquakes. This makes them the primary type of boundary associated with seismic activity.

Front

Plates are moving because of.....?

Back

convection in the mantle

Answer explanation

Plates are moving because of convection in the mantle, where hot material rises and cooler material sinks, creating movement that drives the tectonic plates on the Earth's surface.

Front

At a convergent boundary, you may find.....?

Back

mountains, trenches, volcanoes, underwater volcanoes

Answer explanation

At a convergent boundary, tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains and volcanoes. Therefore, the correct answer is 'volcanoes', as they are commonly found in these regions due to subduction and plate interaction.

Front

What happens when 2 plates crash together and one is less dense?

Back

subduction

Answer explanation

When two tectonic plates collide, the denser plate typically subducts beneath the less dense plate. This process leads to geological features like trenches and volcanic activity, but in this case, the answer is 0, indicating no subduction occurs.

Front

Volcanoes are formed when a tectonic plate subducts under another.

Back

False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because while subduction can lead to volcanic activity, volcanoes can also form at divergent boundaries and hotspots, not solely from subduction.

Front

The San Andrea's Fault is:

Back

A line in California prone to earthquakes.

Answer explanation

The San Andreas Fault is a major fault line located in California, known for its significant seismic activity and earthquakes. The other options refer to different geological features not related to this fault.

Front

Trenches are caused by the following: Divergent Boundaries, Convergent Boundaries, Transform Boundaries

Back

Convergent Boundaries

Answer explanation

Trenches are formed at convergent boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to the creation of deep oceanic trenches. This process is not associated with divergent or transform boundaries.

Front

Convergent boundaries cause​ _____ underwater, while divergent boundaries cause ​____ underwater.

Back

trenches, underwater volcanoes, seafloor spreading

Answer explanation

Convergent boundaries cause trenches underwater due to the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another, while divergent boundaries lead to underwater volcanoes as plates pull apart, allowing magma to rise.