Chapter 12 Flashcard - Earthquakes and Volcanoes

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are waves of energy that travel through the Earth's interior and are produced by earthquakes or other geological processes.

Front

What type of waves are seismic waves also known as?

Back

Body waves.

Front

What happens when the potential energy built up in tectonic plates exceeds the strength of the rock?

Back

An earthquake occurs.

Front

What is pillow lava?

Back

Pillow lava is a type of lava that forms when basalt magma erupts underwater, creating rounded, pillow-like shapes.

Front

Why is basalt magma runny?

Back

Basalt magma is runny because of its low silica content.

Front

What forms a volcanic island chain?

Back

A volcanic island chain is formed when a lithospheric plate moves over a hot spot in the mantle.

Front

What is a hot spot?

Back

A hot spot is a location in the mantle where heat rises and melts the rock, leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the difference between a composite volcano and a shield volcano?

Back

Composite volcanoes are steep and formed from explosive eruptions, while shield volcanoes are broad and formed from gentle, flowing lava.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is the role of tectonic plates in earthquakes?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's crust that move and interact, causing stress and potential earthquakes.