Unit 5 Topic 2 Flashcard

Front

What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, causing crumpling and forming mountains when both plates are continental, or leading to subduction, earthquakes, and volcanoes when one plate is oceanic.

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, forming new lithosphere.

Front

What type of boundary creates mountains?

Back

Convergent Boundary.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A break in Earth's crust along which rocks move.

Front

Why do earthquakes commonly occur in California and Japan?

Back

Both areas are on the boundary of active plates, and the motion of the plates causes earthquakes.

Front

What happens at a Transform Boundary?

Back

Two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are formed at Divergent Boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What is the role of magma in plate tectonics?

Back

Magma rises to create new crust at divergent boundaries and can lead to volcanic activity.