Plate Tectonics

Front

What are the main layers of the Earth from the center outward?

Back

The main layers of the Earth from the center outward are: solid core, liquid core, mantle, crust, atmosphere.

Front

What drives the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The primary mechanism driving the movement of tectonic plates is convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A volcanic island arc is commonly formed at a convergent plate boundary.

Front

What is the most abundant element in Earth's core?

Back

The most abundant element in Earth's core is iron.

Front

How do we know that Earth has a liquid core?

Back

We know Earth has a liquid core because P waves pass through it, but S waves do not.

Front

Define tectonic plates.

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What geological feature is commonly associated with divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are commonly associated with divergent plate boundaries.

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

A transform fault is a type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.