General Concepts
What are tectonic plates?
Tectonic plates are large pieces of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other
What is divergent boundary?
A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other.
What is a rift valley?
A rift valley is a lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates
How are earthquakes related to plates tectonics?
Earthquakes occur along plates boundaries where plates interact and create stress.
Who proposed the theory of continental drift?
Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift.
How many major tectonic plates are there?
There are seven major tectonic plates
What is convergent boundary?
Convergent boundaries are where two tectonic plates move towards each other .
What is a subduction zone?
A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate is being forced under another plate.
What cause volcanic eruptions?
Volcanic eruptions are caused by the movement of magma to the surface, often at convergent boundaries or hotspots.
What evidence supports the theory of the plate tectonics?
Evidence includes the fit of continental coastline, fossil distributions, and geological similarities across continents.
What is the lithosphere?
The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle
What is transform boundary?
A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.
What are mid-ocean ridges?
Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by divergent boundaries
Where do most volcanoes occur?
Most volcanoes along tectonic plates boundaries, especially at convergent plate boundaries.
When was the theory of the plate tectonics widely accepted?
The theory was widely accepted in the 1960s.
What is the asthenosphere?
The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.
Can you give an example of a divergent boundary?
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge
What geological feature is formed at a transform boundary?
Faults, such as the San Andreas Fault, are formed at transform boundaries
What is the Ring of Fire?
The ring of fire is a horse's shapes zone around the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.
What role do fossils play in understanding plates tectonics?
Fossils found on separate continents suggest that continents were once connected.
What is the driving force behind plate tectonics?
The driving forces include mantle convection, slab pull, and ridge push.
What happens at a convergent boundary?
At a convergent boundary, one plate may be forced beneath another, leading to subduction.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the crust.
What is a hotspot volcano?
A hotspot volcano forms a stationary mantle plume, independent of boundaries, like Hawaiian island.
How has plate tectonics influenced Earth's climate over time?
Plates movements can change ocean currents and climates by altering landforms and coastlines.