Plate Tectonics APES

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, Divergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at a Convergent boundary?

Back

Plates move toward each other, leading to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a Divergent boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in sea-floor spreading.

Front

What is a Transform boundary?

Back

A boundary where two plates slide past one another, causing earthquakes.

Front

What geological features are formed at Convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, island arcs, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Front

What are Mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by sea-floor spreading at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is Sea Floor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is an Island Arc?

Back

A curved chain of volcanic islands that form along a convergent boundary, typically where an oceanic plate subducts beneath another oceanic plate.