Characteristics of Earth's Crust and Plate Boundaries

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What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

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What is a subduction zone?

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An area where one tectonic plate is being forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

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A divergent boundary located in the Atlantic Ocean where new oceanic crust is formed.

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Where is the youngest oceanic crust found?

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Near mid-ocean ridges, where new crust is continuously formed.

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What type of boundary formed the Himalayan Mountains?

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Continental-continental convergence, where two continental plates collide.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What is a hot spot?

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A location where magma from deep within the Earth rises to the surface, creating volcanoes, independent of plate boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

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A major area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its high volcanic and earthquake activity due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Massive slabs of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3