8.9B Plate Boundaries ETYNTK

Front

What is a plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary is the region where two tectonic plates meet. These boundaries can be classified into three main types: convergent, divergent, and transform.

Front

What occurs at a transform plate boundary?

Back

At a transform plate boundary, tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

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What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, specifically at divergent boundaries where new oceanic crust is created.

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What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can lead to earthquakes when the blocks move.

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What is subduction?

Back

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

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What is a volcanic island?

Back

A volcanic island is formed by volcanic activity, typically at convergent boundaries where an oceanic plate subducts under a continental plate.

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What is seafloor spreading?

Back

Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

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What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

The San Andreas Fault is a major transform fault in California that marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.

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What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the surface of the Earth resulting from a sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere that creates seismic waves.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A rift valley is a lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates, characterized by steep walls and a central block that has dropped down.