Convection Currents and Plate Tectonics

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, leading to the transfer of heat.

Front

What layer of the Earth do convection currents occur in?

Back

Convection currents primarily occur in the asthenosphere, which is part of the upper mantle.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What causes heat transfer by convection?

Back

Heat transfer by convection is caused by differences in temperature and density within a fluid.

Front

What is the role of the asthenosphere in plate tectonics?

Back

The asthenosphere allows tectonic plates to move due to its semi-fluid nature, facilitating convection currents.

Front

What happens at a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

At a mid-ocean ridge, tectonic plates are diverging, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the significance of the North American plate?

Back

The North American plate is a major tectonic plate that includes parts of North America and the surrounding ocean floor.