Understanding Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large, rigid piece of the Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often resulting in mountain formation or subduction.

Front

What is ocean floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at a divergent boundary as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust, often at transform boundaries.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What are the Himalayan Mountains an example of?

Back

They are an example of mountains formed at a convergent boundary where two continental plates collide.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

Plates move away from each other, allowing molten rock to rise and form new crust.