Plate Tectonics #2 (Flashcard Review)

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What happens at a transform fault boundary?

Back

At a transform fault boundary, tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

Where do most earthquakes and volcanoes occur?

Back

Most earthquakes and volcanoes occur at plate boundaries, also known as plate zones.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at a divergent boundary as magma rises to the surface.

Front

Who discovered seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading was discovered by scientist Harry Hess.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another.

Front

What is a subducting plate?

Back

A subducting plate is an oceanic plate that is being pushed down into the mantle beneath a continental plate at a convergent boundary.

Front

What is the significance of plate boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries are significant because they are the locations where geological activity such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building occurs.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which are thicker and less dense.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a large slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere and moves over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.