Plate Tectonics Review

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to geological phenomena such as volcanic arcs.

Front

What is the role of subduction in volcanic arc formation?

Back

Subduction leads to the melting of the subducted plate, which can cause magma to rise and form volcanic arcs.

Front

Where would the oldest rock be found in relation to tectonic plates?

Back

The oldest rock is typically found farthest from mid-ocean ridges, often at subduction zones.

Front

What causes hot, plastic-like rock in the asthenosphere to rise?

Back

Differences in density cause hot, plastic-like rock in the asthenosphere to rise toward Earth's surface.

Front

What are the three types of faults that can occur along plate boundaries?

Back

Normal faults, reverse faults, and strike-slip faults.

Front

Where do convection currents occur in the Earth?

Back

Convection currents occur in the Mantle.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

A transform fault is a type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.