Plate Motion Chapter 2 Flashcard

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

One of the very large sections of hard rock that make up Earth's outer layer.

Front

What layer do tectonic plates float on?

Back

They float on a soft, solid layer of rock called the mantle.

Front

What happens when two tectonic plates move towards each other?

Back

They form a convergent boundary.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move towards each other.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move away from each other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

They are moved by convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is the Earth's outer layer made of?

Back

The Earth's outer layer is made of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of soft, solid rock beneath the Earth's crust.

Front

What can occur at plate boundaries?

Back

Earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.