Plate Tectonics & Landforms

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a hotspot?

Back

A location on the Earth's surface that has experienced active volcanism for a long period, often resulting in volcanic islands.

Front

Where is the oldest volcanic island in a hotspot chain located?

Back

Furthest away from the hotspot.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What occurs at a convergent boundary?

Back

Two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where a denser tectonic plate is forced down into the mantle beneath a less dense plate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What geological feature is commonly formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A transform boundary in California known for its significant earthquake activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What happens to the ocean floor during sea-floor spreading?

Back

New crust is added, causing the ocean floor to expand.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3