Plate Tectonics and Earthquakes Flashcard

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are transform, convergent, and divergent.

Front

What is the rock cycle?

Back

The rock cycle is a series of processes that slowly change Earth's rocks from one kind to another, involving processes like melting, cooling, erosion, and sedimentation.

Front

True or False: Earthquakes happen every day, but most are too small for humans to notice.

Back

True.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move towards each other, which can result in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate, often leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Front

What role does magma play in plate tectonics?

Back

Magma is molten rock that can rise to the surface at divergent boundaries, creating new crust and contributing to volcanic activity.

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.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.