Plate Tectonics

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary at which two plates move parallel to each other in opposite directions.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

Plates pull apart.

Front

What type of boundary is a rift valley associated with?

Back

Divergent boundary.

Front

How is new crust formed without increasing Earth's surface area?

Back

Crust is destroyed at the same time it is created.

Front

What occurs when two plates slide past each other?

Back

A transform boundary.

Front

Define a convergent plate boundary.

Back

A boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological feature is commonly formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Mountains or deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

It is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.