Plate Tectonics Review

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

A subduction zone is a region where one tectonic plate slides or sinks under another plate, leading to the recycling of old crust.

Front

What are deep trenches in the ocean called?

Back

Deep trenches in the ocean where old seafloor or crust is recycled are called subduction zones.

Front

What geological process occurs at a subduction zone?

Back

Subduction is the geological process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

Why was Wegener's theory of continental drift initially rejected?

Back

Wegener's theory was not widely accepted because he could not explain the mechanism behind how continents drifted.

Front

What land formation occurs at a divergent continental/continental boundary?

Back

A rift valley occurs at a divergent continental/continental boundary.

Front

What is the main feature of a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is the difference between a divergent boundary and a convergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where tectonic plates move apart, while a convergent boundary is where they move towards each other.

Front

What is the significance of fault lines?

Back

Fault lines are fractures in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other, often associated with earthquakes.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What is a hot spot in geology?

Back

A hot spot is a location where magma from deep within the mantle rises to the surface, often creating volcanoes.