7.10AB Plate Tectonics Review

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains how the Earth's surface is divided into plates that move and interact, leading to various geological phenomena.

Front

What is a boundary in plate tectonics?

Back

A boundary is the edge where two tectonic plates meet, and it can be classified as divergent, convergent, or transform.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, which can lead to subduction, mountain building, or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

Pangea was a supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all the continents were joined together.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle, which are caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.