Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What geologic feature/event is most likely to occur at a transform boundary?

Back

Earthquakes are the primary geologic events that occur at transform boundaries, where tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What is the name for plates pushing against each other causing mountains to form?

Back

Convergent Boundaries are where tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains.

Front

What is the process called when the Earth's surface is worn away and bits of rock and soil are carried away and deposited elsewhere?

Back

Erosion is the process of wearing away the Earth's surface and transporting materials.

Front

Which layer of the Earth is composed of the most solid rock?

Back

The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth and is made up of solid rock.

Front

What is an example of weathering?

Back

Water freezing inside a rock and breaking it into smaller sediment is an example of weathering.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, while erosion is the movement of those broken materials.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A rift valley is a lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and outer core, composed of semi-solid rock.

Front

What is a volcanic eruption?

Back

A volcanic eruption occurs when there is an explosion of magma from beneath the Earth's crust.