Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What happens when two continental plates collide?

Back

Usually, no subduction occurs when continental plates collide, leading to the formation of mountain ranges and earthquakes.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is when two tectonic plates slide past one another, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What occurs when an oceanic plate converges with a continental plate?

Back

The denser oceanic plate slides under the less dense continental plate, a process known as subduction.

Front

How can crust disappear at the edge of a boundary?

Back

Crust can disappear because new crust is being added to the other edge of the boundary, often at divergent boundaries.

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 is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of rock between the Earth's crust and core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.