Plate Tectonics

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

How far do tectonic plates move each year?

Back

Centimeters per year.

Front

What is the driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection.

Front

What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other?

Back

Slide/Transform boundary.

Front

Where do subduction zones occur?

Back

Along oceanic-continental boundaries.

Front

What is the process of convection?

Back

The process of hot material rising and cooler material sinking in circular patterns.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other.

Front

What happens at a transform boundary?

Back

Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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