8.9AB Plate Tectonics

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

A transform fault is a type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. An example is the San Andreas Fault in California.

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What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates collide. One plate may be forced below the other, leading to subduction, which can create mountains or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

Front

What are volcanic islands?

Back

Volcanic islands are landforms created by volcanic activity, typically formed when magma rises from the ocean floor and erupts.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes when the blocks move.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner, while continental plates are thicker and less dense, leading to different geological features.

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What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge.