Seafloor Spreading and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

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.

Front

What type of plate boundary occurs when two plates slide past each other?

Back

Transform boundary.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate slides under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the continental shelf?

Back

The continental shelf is the submerged border of a continent that slopes gently into the ocean.

Front

What is the continental slope?

Back

The continental slope is the steep descent from the continental shelf to the ocean floor.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new crust is created.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a region in the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity due to tectonic plate interactions.