plate tectonics review

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 the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, Divergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at a convergent boundary?

Back

Two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A plate boundary 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 transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

The movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What geological features are commonly associated with convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What happens to tectonic plates at transform boundaries?

Back

They slide past each other, which can lead to earthquakes.

Front

How do volcanic islands form?

Back

Volcanic islands can form at convergent boundaries where magma rises through the oceanic crust.