Unit 3 Geosphere Test 2024

Front

What is a tectonic plate boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary is the region where two tectonic plates meet. These boundaries can be divergent, convergent, or transform, and they are responsible for geological activities such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What is the Juan de Fuca Plate?

Back

The Juan de Fuca Plate is an oceanic tectonic plate located off the coast of the Pacific Northwest of North America. It is situated between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.

Front

What is a hot spot in geology?

Back

A hot spot is a location on the Earth's surface that has experienced active volcanism for a long period of time, often due to a plume of hot material rising from deep within the mantle.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle. This often occurs at convergent boundaries and can lead to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental crust. It primarily consists of basalt, while continental crust is thicker and primarily composed of granite.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain building, depending on the types of crust involved.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, mid-ocean ridges are formed as magma rises to create new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the significance of the Galapagos Hot Spot?

Back

The Galapagos Hot Spot is significant because it has created the Galapagos Islands through volcanic activity as the Nazca Plate moves over it.

Front

What is the role of tectonic plates in earthquakes?

Back

Tectonic plates can cause earthquakes when they interact at their boundaries, either colliding, sliding past each other, or pulling apart, leading to stress accumulation and release.