Chapter 4: Investigating Plate Tectonics 24

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle due to its higher density.

Front

What is a converging plate boundary?

Back

A converging plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other, leading to subduction.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A rift valley is a lowland region that forms where tectonic plates move away from each other, causing the land to sink.

Front

What is an island arc?

Back

An island arc is a chain of volcanic islands formed at a converging plate boundary, where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, often resulting in seafloor spreading.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the Himalayan mountain range?

Back

The Himalayan mountain range was formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate, a process known as continental collision.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between Earth's crust and core, where convection currents drive plate tectonics.