Plate Tectonics and Seismic Waves

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.

Front

What happens at a divergent plate boundary?

Back

At a divergent plate boundary, tectonic plates pull apart from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often forming mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is the relationship between plate movement and earthquakes?

Back

Plate movement causes stress to build up in the Earth's crust, and when this stress is released, it results in an earthquake.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Seismic waves are energy waves that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes or other geological activity.

Front

What are the two main types of seismic waves?

Back

The two main types of seismic waves are body waves (P-waves and S-waves) and surface waves.

Front

What is the difference between P-waves and S-waves?

Back

P-waves (primary waves) are compressional waves that can travel through solids, liquids, and gases, while S-waves (secondary waves) are shear waves that can only travel through solids.

Front

What is a fault in geology?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

How do tsunamis relate to earthquakes?

Back

Tsunamis are large ocean waves caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides that displace water.

Front

What causes less seismic waves to be detected on the opposite side of the Earth from an earthquake's epicenter?

Back

Less seismic waves are detected on the opposite side of the Earth because some waves are refracted, some are reflected, and S-waves cannot travel through liquids.