Plate Tectonics Review

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move towards each other, which can lead to one plate being forced below the other, creating mountains or trenches.

Front

What is the crust?

Back

The outermost layer of rock on Earth, which includes the land we live on and the ocean floor.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate sinks beneath another plate into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

Evidence includes land features like mountains and valleys, fossil distribution, and climate patterns.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by divergent boundaries where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What are ocean trenches?

Back

Deep underwater valleys formed at convergent boundaries where one plate is subducted beneath another.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of Earth located between the crust and the core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

A scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's plates and how they interact at their boundaries.