Plate Tectonics and Earth's Surface

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the role of the mantle in plate tectonics?

Back

The mantle is a layer of semi-solid rock that flows slowly, allowing tectonic plates to move on its surface.

Front

What is the difference between the lithosphere and asthenosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is rigid and includes the crust and upper mantle, while the asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows for tectonic movement.

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 beneath the other.

Front

What is the significance of the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

The mid-ocean ridge is a divergent boundary where new oceanic crust is formed as magma rises from the mantle.

Front

What is the core of the Earth?

Back

The core is the innermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel, and is divided into a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

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.

Front

What occurs at transform boundaries?

Back

At transform boundaries, tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.