Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other, leading to geological features like mountains and earthquakes.

Front

What is the crust of the Earth?

Back

The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of solid rock and soil. It is where we live and is relatively thin compared to other layers.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

The outer core is the layer of the Earth located beneath the mantle and above the inner core. It is composed of liquid iron and nickel and is responsible for Earth's magnetic field.

Front

What geological features are commonly found at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs are commonly found at convergent boundaries due to the collision and subduction of tectonic plates.

Front

What type of force causes movement at transform boundaries?

Back

Shear force causes movement at transform boundaries, where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core. It is composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly over time.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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