Plate Tectonics and Plate Boundary Flashcard (Q2W2)

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

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What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are divergent boundaries, convergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes.

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What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at a divergent boundary as magma rises from the mantle and solidifies.

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What occurs at a subduction zone?

Back

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.

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What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

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

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What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once part of a single landmass called Pangaea.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

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Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which are thicker and less dense, leading to different geological features and behaviors at plate boundaries.

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

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Geological features formed at divergent boundaries include mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and new oceanic crust.