Earth Science
What does “plate tectonics” refer to? How is this connected to the “Ring of Fire?”
Plate tectonics is theory that the earth’s lithosphere is broken into plates which float on top of the mantle. These plates shift, causing earthquakes.The area around the Pacific Ocean where the Pacific plate meets other plates. Around 90% of all earthquakes and volcanoes occur in this area.
What are tools that a scientist use to predict or measure earthquakes?
A seismograph helps scientists predict and measure earthquakes.
Where do most earthquakes and volcanoes occur?
Most occur along plate boundaries.
What is a fault?
A crack in the Earth’s surface where plates meet.
What is magma?
What is lava?
Magma is molten rock that is below the Earth’s surface.
Lava is molten rock once it erupts onto the surface of the Earth.
What is the purpose of a levee?
It redirects water by raising the sides of the river to keep the water behind it.
Why do earthquakes occur?
When plates move towards or grind past each other, pressure builds up. When the pressure is released, an earthquake occurs.
What does a dam do to prevent flooding?
It keeps the water behind it-then the water can be released in a controlled manner, preventing flooding.
What landforms can occur at convergent boundaries? At divergent boundaries?
Convergent: Fold or Fault Block mountains can form at convergent boundaries. Volcanoes can form where plates come together and one subducts under the other.
Divergent: Mid ocean trenches can occur when plates pull apart. Also, on land, rift valleys can form. Volcanoes/Mountains can also occur
Deep ocean ridges will also occur at these locations.
Why do people often plant sea grass on sand dunes by the beach?
It prevents wind from eroding the sand dunes.