Geology Flashcard

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

Which layer of the Earth is involved in the movement of tectonic plates through convection?

Back

The mantle is the layer of the Earth where convection currents occur, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological activity.

Front

What geological features are created at convergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries can create mountains, volcanoes, earthquakes, and ocean trenches.

Front

What is the definition of geologic time?

Back

Geologic time is the timeline of Earth's history, divided into eons, eras, periods, and epochs.

Front

What is an example of a divergent boundary?

Back

An example of a divergent boundary is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart.

Front

What happens at transform boundaries?

Back

At transform boundaries, tectonic plates slide past each other, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What is the role of the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is an example of a convergent boundary?

Back

An example of a convergent boundary is the boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which formed the Himalayas.