Plate Tectonics (LT 2.3)

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geologic feature is commonly formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

Mid Atlantic Ridge is a prominent example of a geologic feature formed at a divergent boundary.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below another, leading to subduction.

Front

What geologic feature is commonly created by convergent plate movement?

Back

Mountains are commonly formed by the collision and convergence of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geologic event is most likely to occur at a transform boundary?

Back

Earthquakes are the most common geologic event associated with transform boundaries.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a break in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, often associated with earthquakes.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere and allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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