Earth Structure, Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes

Front

What causes the formation of mountain ranges on the west coasts of continents?

Back

Collision of lithospheric tectonic plates.

Front

What is the thinnest layer of the Earth?

Back

Crust.

Front

Which seismic waves travel fastest and are the first detected by seismic stations?

Back

P waves.

Front

What geologic events occur most often at a mid-oceanic ridge plate boundary?

Back

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is formed where tectonic plates are spreading apart?

Back

New ocean floor.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core.

Front

What is the core of the Earth?

Back

The innermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a volcanic eruption?

Back

The release of magma, gas, and ash from a volcano.