ELL Earth systems BM - Forces that Shape the Earth

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, where tectonic plates meet and can cause earthquakes.

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, characterized by a circular shape.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a volcano and a geyser?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust that allows molten rock, ash, and gases to escape, while a geyser is a hot spring that intermittently erupts with steam and hot water.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to tectonic plate movements, resulting in seismic waves.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

Front

Define magma chamber.

Back

A magma chamber is a large underground pool of molten rock found beneath the surface of the Earth, where magma accumulates before an eruption.

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 is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains, trenches, or volcanic activity.

Front

What is erosion?

Back

Erosion is the process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface by natural forces such as wind or water.