Plate Tectonics: Movement

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What are the two main types of tectonic plates?

Back

The two main types of tectonic plates are continental plates and oceanic plates.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the Asthenosphere, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating rifts and ocean ridges.

Front

What geological features can form at convergent plate boundaries?

Back

Mountains can form at convergent plate boundaries where two plates collide.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The Asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere and allows tectonic plates to move.

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 are rifts?

Back

Rifts are valleys formed when tectonic plates move apart, often found at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is the Moho discontinuity?

Back

The Moho discontinuity is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle.