lithosphere

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle, which is involved in tectonic activity.

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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What is a hot spot?

Back

A hot spot is a location on the Earth's surface that has experienced active volcanism for a long period, often resulting in the formation of islands, like the Hawaiian Islands.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below another, leading to subduction.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and often resulting in earthquakes.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates along faults.

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What is deforestation?

Back

Deforestation is the clearing of forests or trees to make way for agricultural activities, urban development, or mining, leading to environmental impacts.

Front

What is the significance of the Himalayas?

Back

The Himalayas are formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, representing a continental-continental convergent boundary.