Volcanoes & Plate Tectonics #4

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Massive slabs of Earth's lithosphere that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle and move on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is a megathrust earthquake?

Back

A powerful earthquake that occurs at subduction zones where one tectonic plate is forced under another.

Front

How fast is North America moving?

Back

North America is moving approximately 3 inches west per year.

Front

What geological feature is commonly found at convergent plate boundaries?

Back

Subduction trenches are commonly found at convergent plate boundaries.

Front

What role does seawater play in the formation of magma in the Ring of Fire?

Back

Seawater is carried with the subducting plate into the mantle, contributing to magma formation.

Front

What is the Pacific Plate?

Back

A tectonic plate that lies beneath the Pacific Ocean and is associated with the Ring of Fire.

Front

What are subduction trenches?

Back

Deep valleys in the ocean floor formed where one tectonic plate is being forced under another.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which are thicker and less dense.