Plate Tectonics #1

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often creating mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new oceanic crust.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What are earthquakes?

Back

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A major transform fault in California known for its seismic activity.

Front

What are volcanic islands?

Back

Islands formed by volcanic activity, often at convergent plate boundaries.