Plate Tectonics

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other, leading to subduction, mountain building, or volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What geological feature is created by a divergent boundary on land?

Back

A rift valley is created by a divergent boundary on land.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by divergent tectonic plates moving apart, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What causes tectonic plate movement?

Back

Tectonic plate movement is caused by convection currents in the mantle, which are driven by heat from the Earth's core.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What occurs at a transform boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Define a subduction zone.

Back

A subduction zone is a region where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner, primarily composed of basalt, while continental plates are thicker and less dense, primarily composed of granite.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

A fault line is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can lead to earthquakes when stress builds up.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the significance of the San Andreas Fault?

Back

The San Andreas Fault is a transform fault in California that is known for its significant earthquake activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2