Plate Motion Assessment Review

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle, characterized by its rigid structure.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

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 subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is volcanic activity?

Back

Volcanic activity refers to the processes associated with the movement of magma from the Earth's interior to the surface, resulting in eruptions.