Tectonic Plates & Crustal Features

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often resulting in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What geological features are typically formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs are typically formed at convergent boundaries.

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

A transform fault is a type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault an example of?

Back

The San Andreas Fault is an example of a transform fault.

Front

What happens at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust, mid-ocean ridges, and rift valleys.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent boundaries.

Front

How does the age of oceanic bedrock support the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The age of oceanic bedrock is younger near mid-ocean ridges and older further away, indicating that new crust is formed at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is an island arc?

Back

An island arc is a curved chain of volcanic islands that form along a convergent plate boundary, typically where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate.

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 are rift valleys?

Back

Rift valleys are low-lying areas that form when tectonic plates move apart, often associated with divergent boundaries.