Lesson 2 Plate Tectonics and Geological Events

Front

divergent plate boundary

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

ocean basin

Back

A large depression in the Earth's surface that holds ocean water, formed by tectonic processes.

Front

convergent plate boundary

Back

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

Front

subduction

Back

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

Front

volcano

Back

An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten lava, ash, and gases are ejected.

Front

hot spot

Back

A location on the Earth's surface that has experienced active volcanism for a long period of time, often not associated with plate boundaries.

Front

supervolcano

Back

A volcano that has had an eruption of magnitude 8 on the Volcano Explosivity Index, capable of producing massive amounts of ash and lava.

Front

transform plate boundary

Back

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

Front

earthquakes

Back

The shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.