Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, resulting in the creation of new oceanic crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the role of convection currents in plate tectonics?

Back

Convection currents in the asthenosphere and mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates by transferring heat from the Earth's interior.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Front

What is oceanic crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is the part of the Earth's crust that underlies the ocean basins, primarily composed of basalt.

Front

What is continental crust?

Back

Continental crust is the thicker part of the Earth's crust that forms the continents, primarily composed of granite.

Front

What causes earthquakes at transform boundaries?

Back

Earthquakes at transform boundaries are caused by the friction and stress that build up as tectonic plates slide past each other.