unit 7 review plate tectonics

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

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What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other.

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What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

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What is a subduction zone?

Back

A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate is being pushed under another, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

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What is the significance of the oldest rock layer in geological studies?

Back

The oldest rock layer provides insights into the Earth's history and the processes that have shaped its surface over time.

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What type of geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

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Divergent boundaries typically form mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

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What type of geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

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Convergent boundaries can form mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

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What is the role of fossils in determining the environment of rock layers?

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Fossils help scientists infer the past environments in which the rock layers were formed, indicating whether they were underwater, in a forest, etc.

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How do earthquakes relate to plate tectonics?

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Earthquakes are often caused by the movement of tectonic plates at transform boundaries, where stress builds up and is released.