4.1 Plate Tectonics

Front

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.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily caused by convection currents in the Asthenosphere and gravity pulling on the plates at subduction zones.

Front

What is the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

The Continental Drift Theory is the idea that continents have not always been in their current locations but have moved over millions of years due to tectonic activity.

Front

What is a plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary is the region where two tectonic plates meet, which can be classified as divergent, convergent, or transform boundaries.

Front

What was Pangea?

Back

Pangea was a supercontinent that existed about 225 million years ago, containing all of Earth's landmasses before they drifted apart.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other (subduction).

Front

What is the difference between oceanic-oceanic and continental-continental convergent boundaries?

Back

In oceanic-oceanic convergent boundaries, one oceanic plate subducts under another, forming deep ocean trenches. In continental-continental convergent boundaries, two continental plates collide, leading to mountain formation.

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The Asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle located beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur, driving plate tectonics.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to earthquakes along faults.