Earth's Interior #2 Review

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is a type of tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other, leading to subduction.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

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What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

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What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges?

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Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

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What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often creating deep ocean trenches.

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What is normal polarity in Earth's magnetic field?

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Normal polarity is when Earth's magnetic field is oriented such that magnetic north is near the geographic North Pole.

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What is reversed polarity?

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Reversed polarity occurs when Earth's magnetic field flips, causing magnetic north to be near the geographic South Pole.

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How do scientists determine the age of oceanic rocks?

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Scientists determine the age of oceanic rocks by measuring the distance from mid-ocean ridges and using radiometric dating techniques.

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What is the relationship between age of rocks and distance from mid-ocean ridges?

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The age of oceanic rocks increases with distance from mid-ocean ridges, as newer rocks are formed at the ridge and older rocks are pushed away.