Plate tectonics

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What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a type of tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

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What geological features are commonly found at convergent boundaries?

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Common geological features at convergent boundaries include mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

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What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is a type of tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes.

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What causes earthquakes at plate boundaries?

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Earthquakes at plate boundaries are caused by the movement of tectonic plates, which can create stress that is released as seismic energy.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

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What is a trench in geological terms?

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A trench is a deep underwater canyon formed at convergent boundaries where one tectonic plate is being subducted beneath another.

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How do mountain ranges form at convergent boundaries?

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Mountain ranges form at convergent boundaries when two continental plates collide, causing the crust to crumple and fold.