Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What are plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates push against each other, often causing mountains or earthquakes.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in sea-floor spreading.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What are folded mountains?

Back

Mountains that form when two tectonic plates push against each other, causing the Earth's crust to fold.

Front

What is an example of a convergent oceanic-continental boundary?

Back

The boundary where the Nazca Plate meets the South American Plate, leading to the formation of the Andes Mountains.

Front

What is an example of a convergent continental-continental boundary?

Back

The boundary where the Indian Plate collides with the Eurasian Plate, resulting in the formation of the Himalayan Mountains.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at divergent boundaries as tectonic plates move apart.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

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