Science 8 7.10.A-7.10.B Plate Tectonics

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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What is a transform boundary?

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

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, leading to one plate being forced below the other, which can create mountains or volcanic activity.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

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What causes earthquakes?

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Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

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What is a fault?

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A fault is a fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, commonly found at transform boundaries.

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What is volcanic activity?

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Volcanic activity occurs when magma from beneath the Earth's crust escapes to the surface, often at convergent or divergent boundaries.

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What is the Ring of Fire?

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

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What is the lithosphere?

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The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle, which is divided into tectonic plates.