Unit 9 - 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 sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

How do islands form from tectonic activity?

Back

Islands can form from magma that rises at convergent plate boundaries, creating new land.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved past each other.

Front

What is crustal recycling?

Back

The process where old crust is destroyed at subduction zones while new crust is formed at divergent boundaries.