Earth Science Vocabulary

Front

What is the outermost layer of Earth's structure, consisting of the crust and upper mantle?

Back

lithosphere

Front

What are large sections of Earth's crust that move and interact with each other?

Back

tectonic plates

Front

What is the region where two tectonic plates meet?

Back

plate boundary

Front

What is the bending of rock layers due to stress in Earth's crust?

Back

folding

Front

What is the process by which regions of Earth's crust are raised to higher elevations?

Back

uplift

Front

What is molten rock beneath Earth's surface called?

Back

magma

Front

What is a mountain formed by the eruption of magma from Earth's interior?

Back

volcano

Front

What is molten rock that reaches Earth's surface called?

Back

lava

Front

What is the process in which new oceanic crust forms as magma rises along mid-ocean ridges?

Back

sea-floor spreading

Front

What are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics called?

Back

mid-ocean ridges