Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

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

Front

What is oceanic crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is the part of Earth's crust that underlies the ocean, it is thinner and denser than continental crust.

Front

What is continental crust?

Back

Continental crust is the thicker part of Earth's crust that forms the continents, it is less dense than oceanic crust.

Front

What happens at a subducting plate boundary?

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At a subducting plate boundary, one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

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What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

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Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs are formed at convergent boundaries.

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What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

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Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys are formed at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, primarily due to tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is the role of magma in plate tectonics?

Back

Magma rises to the surface at divergent boundaries, creating new crust, and can also cause volcanic eruptions at convergent boundaries.