Plate Tectonics Review

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to one plate being forced beneath the other, which can create mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What role do convection currents play in plate tectonics?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle are the driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates, as hot material rises and cooler material sinks.

Front

Who was Marie Tharp and what was her contribution to plate tectonics?

Back

Marie Tharp was a geologist who created the first detailed maps of the ocean floor, providing evidence for the theory of plate tectonics.

Front

What is the significance of the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

The mid-ocean ridge is a divergent boundary where new oceanic crust is formed, and it is the longest mountain range in the world.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity.

Front

What is 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 due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

A fault line is a fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other, often associated with earthquakes.