Plate tectonics

Front

What are plate boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet. They are classified into three main types: divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

Front

What occurs at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, forming mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What geological features are associated with convergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries are associated with mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs, as one plate is forced under another.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along faults.

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent boundaries, marking the creation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic activity.

Front

How do earthquakes relate to plate tectonics?

Back

Earthquakes occur primarily along plate boundaries due to the movement and interaction of tectonic plates, releasing energy that causes seismic waves.

Front

What is the role of magma in plate tectonics?

Back

Magma plays a crucial role in plate tectonics by rising to the surface at divergent boundaries to create new crust and contributing to volcanic activity.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

Evidence for plate tectonics includes the distribution of earthquakes, the fit of continental coastlines, fossil correlations, and the presence of similar rock formations across continents.