Flashcard#5 Earthquakes and Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What geological activity is most commonly associated with transform boundaries?

Back

Earthquakes are the primary geological activity associated with transform boundaries.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

The presence of similar fossils and rocks on different continents supports the theory of continental drift.

Front

What instrument is used to measure and record seismic activity?

Back

A seismograph is the instrument used to detect and measure earthquakes.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are primarily caused by stress due to movement in Earth's crust.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

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

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, often resulting in volcanic activity.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, which can lead to mountain formation, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus of an earthquake is the point within the Earth where the earthquake originates.

Front

What is a seismic wave?

Back

A seismic wave is an energy wave that travels through the Earth, generated by the sudden release of energy during an earthquake.