Geological Processes Flashcard

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Movement of convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is the primary cause of convection in Earth's mantle?

Back

Differences in density and temperature within mantle materials.

Front

What is rifting in geological terms?

Back

Rifting is the process where the Earth's crust breaks apart due to tectonic forces.

Front

What role do convection currents play in geological processes?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is mantle convection?

Back

Mantle convection is the slow, churning motion of Earth's mantle caused by heat from the core.

Front

What evidence indicates active mantle convection under a rifting region?

Back

Negative seismic anomalies showing hotter mantle material.

Front

What is a seismic anomaly?

Back

A seismic anomaly is a deviation from the expected seismic wave patterns, indicating changes in material properties.

Front

What might dense basalt in a region with no current rifting suggest?

Back

A failed rift occurred there in the past.

Front

What is the significance of positive seismic anomalies?

Back

They indicate denser rock, often associated with subduction zones.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and density in the mantle?

Back

Hotter mantle material is less dense and rises, while cooler material is denser and sinks.