Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The geological theory that explains the constant, slow motion of Earth's lithosphere due to convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Movements in a fluid caused by the uneven heating of the fluid, leading to the rise of hot material and the sinking of cooler material.

Front

What happens to convection currents when the heat source is removed?

Back

They slow down and stop.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle located below the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Front

What happens to the density of magma in the asthenosphere as heat from the core decreases?

Back

It increases.

Front

What type of boundary is formed when a continental plate collides with an oceanic plate?

Back

Convergent boundary.

Front

What geological structure forms at a divergent boundary on land?

Back

Rift valley.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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