Tectonic Plates

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often resulting in the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often resulting in rift zones or mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle located beneath the lithosphere, allowing for the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

How do the lithosphere and asthenosphere differ?

Back

The lithosphere is rigid and brittle, while the asthenosphere is semi-fluid and allows for the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What landform is most likely formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains are most likely formed at a convergent boundary due to the collision of tectonic plates.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is a rift zone?

Back

A rift zone is a linear zone where the Earth's lithosphere is being pulled apart, typically found at divergent boundaries.

Front

What geological features are associated with transform boundaries?

Back

Transform boundaries are characterized by faults, where tectonic plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.