Term 1 Unit 1: Geologic time and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is thermal convection?

Back

Thermal convection is the process by which heat is transferred through the movement of fluids (liquids and gases). Hotter, less dense material rises, while cooler, denser material sinks.

Front

What happens to matter in thermal convection when it moves away from a heat source?

Back

Matter becomes more dense and sinks.

Front

What causes the movement of continents?

Back

The movement of continents is caused by thermal convection, where heat from the Earth's core creates currents in the mantle that push the tectonic plates.

Front

What is radiometric dating?

Back

Radiometric dating is a method used to determine the absolute age of rocks by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What occurs at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is the significance of the Earth's core in plate tectonics?

Back

The Earth's core provides heat that drives thermal convection in the mantle, which is a key factor in the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is crust recycling?

Back

Crust recycling refers to the process where old crust is destroyed and new crust is formed, primarily occurring at convergent boundaries.

Front

What is the difference between relative age and absolute age?

Back

Relative age is the age of a rock compared to other rocks, while absolute age is the actual age of a rock, often determined through radiometric dating.