Plate Tectonics

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide or move towards each other.

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates diverge.

Front

What happens at subduction zones?

Back

At subduction zones, one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to recycling of crust and often causing earthquakes.

Front

What type of boundary forms the Himalayas?

Back

The Himalayas form at a continent-to-continent convergent boundary.

Front

What is the role of rift valleys in plate tectonics?

Back

Rift valleys are formed at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates are pulling apart, leading to the creation of new crust.

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How do tectonic plates move?

Back

Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle, driven by heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

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

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What is an example of a transform boundary?

Back

The San Andreas Fault in California is an example of a transform boundary.