Plate Tectonics
What is the theory that explains how the Earth's plates move?
Plate tectonics
What is an earthquake?
The shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy?
What is a volcano?
It is an opening in the Earth's crust that allows molten rock, ash, and gases to escape
What are the four main layers of the Earth?
crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core
Name the three types of plate boundaries.
Convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries
What scale is used to measure the strength of earthquakes?
What is the Richter scale
What is the name of the molten rock that erupts from a volcano?
Lava
Which layer of the Earth is solid and made up of rocks?
Crust
What geological features can form at convergent boundaries
volcanoes, mountains, earthquakes
What is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake occurs called?
epicenter
What type of volcano is characterized by gentle slopes and non-explosive eruptions?
Shield volcano
What is the thickest layer of the Earth?
Mantle
How do scientists measure the movement of tectonic plates?
GPS and satellite technology
What is the term for the most powerful earthquakes occurring along tectonic plate boundaries?
Megathrust earthquakes
What is the name of the supervolcano located in Yellowstone National Park?
Caldera
Which layer of the Earth is liquid and composed mainly of iron and nickel?
The outer core