Tectonic Plates Key terms

Front

Which layer of the Earth do tectonic plates float on?

Back

Asthenosphere: The semi-fluid layer beneath the Earth's crust that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is the process of heat transfer by the movement of a fluid?

Back

Convection currents: The movement of fluid (like water or molten rock) that transfers heat from one place to another.

Front

What is the term for the process of mountain formation?

Back

Orogeny: The process of mountain building through tectonic forces.

Front

What is the transfer of heat due to the movement of fluid from high temperature to low temperature?

Back

Convection: The process where heated particles of fluid flow, transferring heat.

Front

What do we call an area on Earth where tectonic plates collide?

Back

Convergent plate boundaries: Regions where two tectonic plates push against each other.

Front

What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?

Back

Crust: The thin, solid outer layer of the Earth where we live.

Front

What is the layer of the Earth below the crust?

Back

Mantle: The thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core.

Front

What is the term for the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Plate tectonics: The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's plates.

Front

What is the name of the boundary where tectonic plates move apart?

Back

Divergent plate boundaries: Areas where tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

Front

What is the term for the boundary where tectonic plates slide past each other?

Back

Transform plate boundaries: Regions where plates slide horizontally past one another.