Earth's Layers/Tectonic Plates Flashcard

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes, like the San Andreas Fault.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move towards each other, often leading to one plate being forced beneath the other, creating mountains or volcanic activity.

Front

What layer of the Earth is the thickest?

Back

The mantle is the thickest layer of the Earth, approximately 1,800 miles thick.

Front

Where are diamonds formed within the Earth?

Back

Diamonds are formed in the mantle, under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Front

What is the Earth's outer core primarily made of?

Back

The Earth's outer core is primarily made of liquid iron and nickel.

Front

What is the Earth's inner core like?

Back

The Earth's inner core is solid and composed mainly of iron and nickel, with extremely high temperatures and pressure.

Front

What is the crust of the Earth?

Back

The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of solid rock and soil, where we live.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often creating deep ocean trenches.