Plate Tectonics Review

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What are convergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries are areas where tectonic plates move towards one another, often causing one plate to be forced below another, leading to subduction.

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What happens at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

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What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.

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What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the circular movements of hot material rising and cooler material sinking in the mantle, driving plate tectonics.

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What is the asthenosphere?

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The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

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What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

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Convergent boundaries can form mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

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What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

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Divergent boundaries can create mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

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What are earthquakes?

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Earthquakes are sudden releases of energy in the Earth's crust that create seismic waves, often occurring at transform boundaries.

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What is the Ring of Fire?

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The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.