8.9B Plate Tectonics

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

The earth's outer shell is divided into slabs of rock called tectonic plates, which float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.

Front

What is the driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by convection currents in the mantle, caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, which can result in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to subduction zones.

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 geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

New crust is formed at divergent boundaries, typically resulting in mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What geological feature is associated with convergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries can lead to the formation of mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

How do earthquakes relate to tectonic plates?

Back

Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates slide past each other or collide, releasing energy that causes ground shaking.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, commonly found at transform boundaries.