7.10B: MAKE MEANING Plate Tectonics

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the movement of fluid (liquid or gas) caused by differences in temperature and density, which results in the transfer of heat.

Front

How do convection currents affect the Earth's crust?

Back

Convection currents cause the Earth's crust to move in different directions, leading to tectonic activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that explains the movement of the Earth's plates and the processes that occur at their boundaries.

Front

What happens at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Back

At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates collide, which can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.