Plate Boundaries and Topographic Maps

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to one plate being forced below the other, which can create mountains or cause earthquakes.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

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.

Front

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Wegener used evidence such as the fit of continents, fossil similarities across continents, glacier scars, and matching geological features.

Front

What do closely spaced contour lines on a topographic map indicate?

Back

Closely spaced contour lines indicate a steep slope or elevation change.

Front

What do contour lines that are farther apart represent?

Back

Contour lines that are farther apart represent a gentle slope.

Front

What is the Earth's crust?

Back

The Earth's crust is the outer layer of the Earth, made of solid rock, and is where we live.

Front

What geological feature is commonly found at a transform boundary?

Back

Earthquakes are commonly found at transform boundaries due to the sliding motion of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

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