Earth and Space Semester 1 Final Review - Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A major transform fault in California that marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, often caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates, often characterized by steep walls and a central block.