8.9AB Plate Tectonics

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates push toward each other, often forming mountains or causing earthquakes.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to earthquakes.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates pull away from each other, often creating new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountain ranges, 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 the relationship between earthquakes and tectonic plates?

Back

Earthquakes occur when stress builds up at plate boundaries and is released, causing the ground to shake.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

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