Convection Currents and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is convection?

Back

Convection is the transfer of heat through a fluid (liquid or gas) caused by the movement of the fluid itself, driven by differences in temperature and density.

Front

What causes convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are caused by the uneven heating of a fluid, leading to differences in temperature and density, which results in the movement of the fluid.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and density in convection?

Back

In convection, warmer fluids are less dense and rise, while cooler fluids are denser and sink, creating a cycle of movement.

Front

What type of material rises in a fluid?

Back

Material that is less dense rises in a fluid.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to one plate being forced beneath another, often causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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 are mantle convection currents?

Back

Mantle convection currents are the slow, circular movements of molten rock in the Earth's mantle caused by heat from the core, driving plate tectonics.

Front

How do convection currents affect plate tectonics?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle create forces that move tectonic plates, leading to geological activity such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.

Front

What is the role of density in plate tectonics?

Back

Density differences between tectonic plates and the underlying mantle influence their movement and interactions at plate boundaries.