Plate Tectonics and Land Formations

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away from the ridge, causing the ocean floor to expand.

Front

What did Harry Hess discover about the Atlantic Ocean floor?

Back

Harry Hess discovered that the Atlantic Ocean floor was progressively older the further it moved away from the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What landform is typically found at a divergent boundary between continental crusts?

Back

A rift valley is typically found at a divergent boundary between two pieces of continental crust.

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where seafloor spreading occurs.

Front

What happens to the age of oceanic crust as it moves away from a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

The age of oceanic crust increases as it moves away from a mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What is the relationship between plate tectonics and earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes often occur at plate boundaries where tectonic plates interact, such as at transform boundaries.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is the role of subduction zones in plate tectonics?

Back

Subduction zones are areas where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.