Plate Tectonics STAAR Review

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, often creating new crust as magma rises.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains, volcanoes, or deep ocean trenches.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

Rift valleys or mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens at a transform boundary?

Back

Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is the East African Rift Valley an example of?

Back

A divergent plate boundary.