Plate Tectonics

Front

What does subduction mean?

Back

Subduction is when one tectonic plate goes under another plate.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a location where two tectonic plates collide.

Front

What type of boundary created the Great Rift Valley and the Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

A divergent boundary.

Front

What causes the movement of Earth's tectonic plates?

Back

The movement is primarily caused by convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the plastic layer of the mantle on which pieces of the lithosphere move.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What is the difference between a convergent and divergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary involves plates colliding, while a divergent boundary involves plates moving apart.

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries can form mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is the role of convection currents in plate tectonics?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle drive the movement of tectonic plates.