Theory of Plate Tectonics review

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What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new oceanic crust, such as an underwater mountain chain.

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, like the Himalayan mountains.

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What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily caused by convection currents in the Asthenosphere, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the Earth's crust.

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True or False: Continental plates move quickly enough for us to feel them.

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False. Continental plates move very slowly, typically at a rate of a few centimeters per year, which is not perceptible to humans.

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What is a volcano?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust through which hot molten rock, ash, and gases can escape from deep inside the Earth.

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What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The Asthenosphere is a layer of the Earth's mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere and is involved in the movement of tectonic plates due to its semi-fluid nature.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes, such as the San Andreas Fault in California.

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What is the Moho discontinuity?

Back

The Moho discontinuity is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle, marking a change in composition and density.

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

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What is subduction?

Back

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