Boundary Types
What are the three types of boundaries?
Transform, Divergent, Convergent
Name the 3 main layers of the Earth.
Core, mantle, crust
What can be calculated using the formula: rate x time = distance?
Plate motion history
Hot spots, which are locations where molten material rises from deep within the Earth, are often responsible for the formation of:
Volcanoes and islands in the middle of tectonic plates
The Himalayas were formed as a result of which type of plate boundary?
Convergent
What happens at a divergent boundary?
Plates pull apart from each other.
Which layer of the Earth is primarily responsible for the movement of tectonic plates?
Mantle
Which type of evidence is used to support the theory of Continental Drift?
Fossil Record
The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges is known as:
Sea-floor spreading
Describe subduction.
The process of one tectonic plate sinking beneath another
Which type of plate boundary is responsible for the San Andreas Fault?
Transform
What powers plate tectonic movement?
Convection currents
How does seafloor spreading provide evidence for plate tectonics?
Seafloor spreading shows symmetrical magnetic reversals on either side of a mid-ocean ridge, suggesting the seafloor is moving away from the center.
What is a rift valley and where is it typically found?
A valley formed by divergent boundaries, found on continents or sea floors
How do plate tectonics influence global sea levels?
By altering ocean basin and sea level
Which type of boundary is known for creating mountains?
Convergent
How does the composition of oceanic crust differ from continental crust?
Oceanic crust is thinner and more dense
What is the primary method used to measure the rate of plate movement?
GPS Data
Which type of boundary is most likely to create a volcanic island arc?
Convergent oceanic-oceanic boundary
Subduction zones, where one plate is forced under another, typically result in the formation of:
Volcanoes and deep ocean trenches
Which type of boundary results in sea-floor spreading?
Divergent
How does the density of Earth's layers affect plate movement?
Causing denser plates to sink beneath less dense plates at subduction zones
Which technological innovation has most contributed to the understanding of plate tectonics?
Sonar Mapping
The Ring of Fire, which is a region of active volcanoes and earthquakes, is primarily located along:
Convergent boundaries (subduction zones)
How do plate tectonics contribute to climate change over geologic time?
By increasing volcanic activity and By altering ocean circulation patterns