Unit 3 Flashcard Review - Plate boundaries and layers

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. This movement can cause earthquakes.

Front

What type of geological features are formed at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

Rifts and ridges are formed at divergent plate boundaries as tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below the other, leading to subduction.

Front

What geological features are associated with convergent plate boundaries?

Back

Trenches and mountain ranges are commonly formed at convergent plate boundaries due to the collision and subduction of tectonic plates.

Front

What is convection in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

Convection is the process by which heat from the Earth's interior causes the movement of molten rock in the mantle, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What happens at a divergent plate boundary?

Back

At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

How do transform boundaries affect the Earth's surface?

Back

Transform boundaries can cause earthquakes as the plates grind against each other, releasing built-up stress.

Front

What is the significance of rift valleys?

Back

Rift valleys are significant geological features formed at divergent boundaries, indicating the process of continental splitting.