Geological Processes

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.

Front

What occurs at a rift valley?

Back

A rift valley forms when tectonic plates move apart, creating a low area between them.

Front

Describe the outer core of the Earth.

Back

The outer core is a liquid layer made of metals, primarily iron and nickel, located beneath the mantle and surrounding the inner core.

Front

What happens when an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate?

Back

When an oceanic plate collides with a continental plate, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the continental plate, leading to subduction and often resulting in volcanic activity.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that are in constant motion, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate is being forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What geological feature is formed by converging plates?

Back

Converging plates can form mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is the difference between the inner core and outer core?

Back

The inner core is solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel, while the outer core is liquid and also made of iron and nickel.