Plate Tectonics Flashcard

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What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

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What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

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What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes when the blocks move.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain building.

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

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What is a normal fault?

Back

A normal fault occurs when the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall, typically found at divergent boundaries.

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What is a reverse fault?

Back

A reverse fault occurs when the hanging wall moves up relative to the footwall, typically found at convergent boundaries.

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What is a strike-slip fault?

Back

A strike-slip fault occurs when two blocks of rock slide past each other horizontally, often found at transform boundaries.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the circular movements of molten rock in the mantle caused by heat from the Earth's core, driving the movement of tectonic plates.