Geologic Processes-2.2

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The rock cycle is a continuous process that describes the transformation of rocks through various stages: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic, influenced by geological processes such as weathering, erosion, and heat.

Front

What are the three main types of rocks?

Back

The three main types of rocks are igneous (formed from cooled magma), sedimentary (formed from compressed sediments), and metamorphic (formed from existing rocks transformed by heat and pressure).

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into several plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move towards each other, which can result in the formation of mountains, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates, often at fault lines.

Front

What is the difference between the inner core and the mantle?

Back

The inner core is a solid, dense sphere made primarily of iron and nickel, while the mantle is a thick layer of semi-solid rock that surrounds the outer core.

Front

What is volcanic activity?

Back

Volcanic activity refers to the eruption of magma from beneath the Earth's crust, which can create new landforms such as volcanoes and islands.

Front

What is the significance of the Pacific Plate?

Back

The Pacific Plate is one of the largest tectonic plates and is significant for its role in causing earthquakes and volcanic activity along the Pacific Ring of Fire.