Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, Divergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at a Convergent Boundary?

Back

Plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust.

Front

Define Transform Boundary.

Back

A boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is a Subduction Zone?

Back

An area where one tectonic plate is being pushed under another, often associated with oceanic trenches.

Front

What geological features are formed at Divergent Boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

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

Back

The core provides heat that drives convection currents in the mantle, influencing plate movement.

Front

What are Island Arcs?

Back

Curved chains of volcanic islands formed at convergent boundaries, typically where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A major transform fault in California that marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.