Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust as magma rises to the surface. An example is the Mid Ocean Ridge.

Front

What feature is created at a divergent boundary in the ocean?

Back

Mid Ocean Ridge.

Front

How is new crust formed without increasing Earth's surface area?

Back

Crust is destroyed at the same time it is created.

Front

What type of plate boundary forms the Himalayas?

Back

Continent-to-continent convergent boundary.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to one plate being forced below another, often creating mountains or deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes. An example is the San Andreas Fault.

Front

What are hotspots?

Back

Hotspots are areas where hot mantle plumes push up through the lithosphere, creating volcanic islands, such as Hawaii.

Front

What happens at a subduction zone?

Back

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

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

Front

What geological feature is formed at a continent-to-ocean convergent boundary?

Back

Subduction zones and volcanic arcs.