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 trenches or mountain ranges.

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 as magma rises to the surface, often creating ridges.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the outer core of the Earth?

Back

The outer core is a liquid layer composed mainly of iron and nickel, located beneath the mantle and above the inner core.

Front

What is the inner core of the Earth?

Back

The inner core is a solid sphere made primarily of iron and nickel, located at the center of the Earth.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is a thick layer of semi-solid rock between the crust and the outer core, responsible for tectonic plate movement due to convection currents.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle, which are caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is a trench in geological terms?

Back

A trench is a deep, narrow depression in the ocean floor, typically formed at convergent plate boundaries where one plate is subducted beneath another.

Front

What is a ridge in geological terms?

Back

A ridge is an elevated area of land or ocean floor, often formed at divergent plate boundaries where new crust is created.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of trenches.