Plate Tectonics Class Review

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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is denser and thinner, primarily composed of basalt, while continental crust is thicker and less dense, primarily composed of granite.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all the continents were joined together.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs can be formed due to the collision of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.