Geological Processes

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 processes such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

Front

What happens at a convergent plate boundary?

Back

At a convergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates push against each other, which can lead to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core, where convection currents occur that drive plate tectonics.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is convection in the mantle?

Back

Convection in the mantle is the process where heated material rises towards the crust, cools, and then sinks back down, creating a cycle that drives tectonic plate movement.

Front

What is a volcanic eruption?

Back

A volcanic eruption is the release of magma, gas, and ash from a volcano, often occurring at tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere, often due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

What are plate boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet, and they can be classified as convergent, divergent, or transform boundaries.

Front

What is the role of the Earth's core in tectonic activity?

Back

The Earth's core generates heat that causes convection currents in the mantle, which drive the movement of tectonic plates.