Plate Tectonics Unit Assessment

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below the other, leading to subduction, mountain formation, or earthquakes.

Front

What causes earthquakes in California?

Back

Earthquakes in California are primarily caused by two tectonic plates sliding past each other along transform boundaries, such as the San Andreas Fault.

Front

What are the three types of plate tectonic boundaries?

Back

The three types of plate tectonic boundaries are convergent boundaries, divergent boundaries, and transform boundaries.

Front

Define weathering in geology.

Back

Weathering is the process of breaking down rocks into smaller pieces called sediment, which can occur through physical, chemical, or biological means.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to friction and the potential for earthquakes.

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 subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process that occurs at convergent boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is a fault in geology?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can lead to earthquakes when stress builds up and is released.

Front

What is the difference between weathering and erosion?

Back

Weathering is the breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces, while erosion is the movement of those sediments from one location to another.

Front

What is a volcanic eruption?

Back

A volcanic eruption occurs when there is an explosion of magma from beneath the Earth's crust, often resulting in lava flows, ash clouds, and pyroclastic flows.