Ch. 3 Section 1 Earth Dynamics

Front

What is the Richter Scale?

Back

A scale used to measure the magnitude of earthquakes, where each level represents a 30 times increase in amplitude.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The compositional layer of the Earth where convection currents occur, located between the crust and the outer core.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

A weak spot in the Earth's crust where magma has come to the surface.

Front

What is the inner core?

Back

The hottest part of the Earth, located at the center, composed mainly of iron and nickel.

Front

What happens when tectonic plates move?

Back

Earthquakes can occur when plates slide, crash, or move past one another.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

The layer of the Earth that lies beneath the mantle and surrounds the inner core, composed of liquid iron and nickel.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

The movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which occurs in the mantle and drives plate tectonics.

Front

What is a hot spot?

Back

A location in the Earth's crust where magma can rise to the surface, creating volcanic activity.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is the crust?

Back

The outermost layer of the Earth, which is solid and relatively thin compared to the other layers.