7.10B Tectonic Plates Vocabulary

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A boundary where tectonic plates slide past each other in opposite directions.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move together, or converge.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away, or diverge, from one another.

Front

What is a convection current?

Back

A type of thermal energy transfer in which differences in temperature and density of fluids make them rise and fall.

Front

What happens at a transform boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates slide past each other, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

How do convection currents affect tectonic plate movement?

Back

They create movement in the mantle that drives the plates above.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

It is an area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its high volcanic and seismic activity, primarily due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.