8.9AB Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A region around the Pacific Ocean known for its high levels of seismic activity, including earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A major transform fault located in California, known for its significant earthquake activity.