Plate Motion Unit Assessment

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the 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 each other, causing geological events.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move toward each other, which can result in earthquakes, volcanic activity, or mountain building.

Front

What is a fault line?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other, often associated with earthquakes.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, often caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

An opening in the Earth's surface where molten rock, ash, and gases can escape from below the Earth's crust.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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