Plate Tectonics Basics
True or False: Tectonic plates move only during earthquakes.
False
What boundary happens when two plates move toward each other?
Convergent Boundary
What landform is often created at convergent boundaries?
Mountains
What causes earthquakes?
Sudden movement of tectonic plates
Two plates crash into each other and form tall mountains. What boundary is this?
Convergent
What layer of Earth do tectonic plates move on?
The mantle (asthenosphere)
What boundary happens when two plates move away from each other?
Divergent boundary
What feature forms where plates pull apart under the ocean?
Mid-ocean ridge
Where do most earthquakes occur?
Along plate boundaries
Molten rock rises between separating plates and hardens to form new crust. What boundary is this?
Divergent
About how fast do tectonic plates move each year?
A few centimeters per year
What boundary happens when two plates slide past each other?
Transform boundary
What deep underwater feature forms at some convergent boundaries?
Trench
What melted rock inside Earth is called?
Magma
wo plates grind past each other and cause frequent earthquakes but no volcanoes. What boundary is this?
Transform
What is the theory that explains how Earth’s plates move?
Pate Tectonics Theory
Which boundary type is most likely to create new crust?
Divergent boundary
Which boundary type commonly forms volcanoes?
Convergent and divergent boundaries
What is magma called once it reaches Earth’s surface?
Lava
A deep ocean trench forms where one plate sinks beneath another. What boundary is responsible?
Convergent
What is the name of the large pieces of Earth’s crust that move slowly over time?
Plate Tectonics
Which type of boundary usually creates earthquakes but not volcanoes?
Transform boundary
What landform is created when magma rises and cools at a divergent boundary?
New crust / volcanic rock
Which boundary is responsible for many strong earthquakes like those in California?
Transform boundary
A long crack forms in Earth’s crust where plates are slowly pulling apart. What boundary is this?
Divergent