8.9AB Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates collide, often resulting in mountain formation or subduction.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved past each other.

Front

What is magma?

Back

Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface that can rise to form volcanoes.