Tectonic PLates

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What happens when tectonic plates move past each other?

Back

An earthquake can occur.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A major geological event that occurs when plates shift suddenly and release stored energy.

Front

Where do earthquakes frequently occur?

Back

At transform boundaries where plates slide past each other.

Front

What causes volcanic eruptions?

Back

They occur when a dense tectonic plate subducts below a less dense plate at convergent boundaries.

Front

What geological feature is commonly formed at a convergent plate boundary?

Back

Mountains.

Front

What is mountain building?

Back

A major geological event that occurs when continental plates of equal density converge.

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

A type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced below another.

Front

What are rift valleys?

Back

Geological features formed when tectonic plates move apart.