Unit 3 Flashcard Review - Plate boundaries and layers

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What happens to material when it cools?

Back

When material is cooled, it shrinks and becomes more dense.

Front

What geological feature is formed at convergent plate boundaries?

Back

Trenches are formed at convergent plate boundaries.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens to material when it is heated?

Back

When material is heated, it expands and becomes less dense.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by divergent plate boundaries where new oceanic crust is created.