Geologic Processes

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the difference between the inner core and the outer core?

Back

The inner core is solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel, while the outer core is liquid and also made of iron and nickel.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is convection in the mantle?

Back

Convection in the mantle is the process where heated material rises towards the crust, cools, and then sinks back down, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the Earth's crust?

Back

The Earth's crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, composed of solid rock and is the least dense layer.

Front

What causes volcanic activity at tectonic plate boundaries?

Back

Volcanic activity occurs at tectonic plate boundaries due to the movement of plates, which can create openings for magma to escape to the surface.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in mountain formation or subduction.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.