PLATE TECTONICS STAAR BLAST (Questions)

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

The movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created by volcanic activity.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the role of the mantle in plate tectonics?

Back

The mantle provides the heat and convection currents that drive the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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