Earth Science Flashcard

Front

What is a divergent tectonic plate boundary?

Back

A divergent tectonic plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a convergent tectonic plate boundary?

Back

A convergent tectonic plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain building.

Front

What is a transform tectonic plate boundary?

Back

A transform tectonic plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often forming ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Front

What are volcanic islands?

Back

Volcanic islands are landforms created by volcanic activity, often formed over hot spots in the ocean.

Front

What is a fault in geology?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, allowing for movement and often associated with earthquakes.

Front

What is tension stress in geology?

Back

Tension stress is a type of stress that stretches rocks, causing them to thin and potentially lead to faulting.

Front

What is compression stress in geology?

Back

Compression stress is a type of stress that squeezes rocks together, often resulting in folding or faulting.

Front

What is shear stress in geology?

Back

Shear stress is a type of stress that causes layers of rock to slide past each other, often leading to faulting.

Front

What are ocean trenches?

Back

Ocean trenches are deep, narrow depressions in the ocean floor formed by the subduction of an oceanic plate beneath another plate.