Tectonic Plates

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What happens at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Back

At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates move toward each other, which can cause one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

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

Front

What is the youngest crust in the ocean?

Back

The youngest crust in the ocean is found at mid-ocean ridges, where new crust is formed.

Front

What geological features are associated with transform boundaries?

Back

Transform boundaries are associated with earthquakes and fault lines.

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 tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.