APES 4.1 Plate Tectonics Vocabulary

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Core

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The innermost zone of Earth's interior, composed mostly of iron and nickel. It includes a liquid outer layer and a solid inner layer.

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Mantle

Back

The layer of Earth above the core, containing magma, the asthenosphere, and the solid upper mantle.

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Magma

Back

Molten rock.

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Asthenosphere

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The layer of Earth located in the outer part of the mantle, composed of semi-molten rock.

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Lithosphere

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The outermost layer of Earth, including the solid upper mantle and crust.

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Plate tectonics

Back

The theory that the lithosphere of Earth is divided into plates, most of which are in constant motion.

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Earthquake

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A sudden movement of Earth's crust caused by the release of potential energy from the movement of tectonic plates.

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Hot spot

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In geology, a place where molten material from Earth's mantle reaches the lithosphere.

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Volcano

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A vent in the surface of Earth that emits ash, gasses, or molten lava.

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Tsunami

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A series of waves in the ocean caused by seismic activity or an undersea volcano that causes a massive displacement of water.