Earthquakes and Volcanoes Flashcard

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 below the other, leading to subduction, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, often resulting in significant coastal flooding and destruction.

Front

What is the significance of Diagram A in understanding tectonic plate boundaries?

Back

Diagram A likely illustrates the magnetic pattern and relative age of igneous bedrock, helping to identify the history of tectonic activity and plate movements.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is primarily caused by convection currents in the mantle, which are driven by heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What happens at a subduction zone?

Back

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate slides under another, leading to geological activity such as earthquakes and the formation of volcanic arcs.

Front

What is the difference between transform, convergent, and divergent boundaries?

Back

Transform boundaries involve plates sliding past each other, convergent boundaries involve plates moving towards each other, and divergent boundaries involve plates moving apart.

Front

What geological features are commonly associated with convergent boundaries?

Back

Common geological features at convergent boundaries include mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

How do tsunamis form after an earthquake?

Back

Tsunamis form when an underwater earthquake displaces a large volume of water, creating waves that travel across the ocean.

Front

What is the role of convection currents in the mantle?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle transfer heat from the Earth's core to the surface, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a volcanic eruption?

Back

A volcanic eruption is the release of magma, gas, and ash from a volcano, often resulting from pressure buildup in the Earth's crust.