GP Flashcard 1 (M_24)

Front

What are lithospheric plates?

Back

The Earth's outer shell is broken into big pieces called lithospheric plates, which float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.

Front

What happens to warmer, less dense material?

Back

Warmer, less dense material rises due to its lower density compared to the surrounding cooler material.

Front

What causes lithospheric plates to move?

Back

Lithospheric plates move due to convection currents in the mantle, which are caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Front

True or False: Very little earthquake and volcanic activity occurs along plate boundaries.

Back

False. Most earthquake and volcanic activity occurs along plate boundaries.

Front

What is the largest layer of the Earth?

Back

The largest layer of the Earth is the mantle.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are the circular movements of fluid caused by the heating and cooling of the material, which helps drive the movement of lithospheric plates.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the Earth located beneath the lithosphere, allowing the lithospheric plates to move.

Front

What is the difference between the lithosphere and the crust?

Back

The lithosphere includes the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, while the crust is the outermost layer of the Earth.

Front

What are plate boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries are the edges where two lithospheric plates meet, and they are often sites of geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

What is the role of the Earth's core in plate tectonics?

Back

The Earth's core provides heat that drives convection currents in the mantle, which in turn causes the movement of lithospheric plates.