Questions and Answers
What is a plate?
What is Plate Tectonics?
A theory that states that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in slow constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.
What is a fault?
Breaks in the Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other.
What is a Spreading Boundary?
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What is a Rift Valley?
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What is a Colliding Boundary?
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What is a Sliding Boundary?
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What does the theory of plate tectonics explain?
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What are the three types of plate boundaries?
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Study Notes
Key Concepts of Plate Tectonics
- Plate: Sections of the lithosphere that are broken into distinct pieces, allowing movement.
- Plate Tectonics Theory: Describes how Earth’s lithosphere plates are consistently moving due to mantle convection currents, influencing geological activities.
Types of Plate Boundaries
- Spreading Boundary: Occurs when two tectonic plates diverge, leading to the creation of new crust.
- Rift Valley: A deep chasm that develops along a spreading boundary, signifying active tectonic divergence.
- Colliding Boundary: Characterized by the convergence of two plates, often resulting in mountain formation or subduction zones.
- Sliding Boundary: Occurs when two plates slide past each other, revealing lateral movement typically associated with earthquakes.
Tectonic Processes
- Fault: Fractures within the Earth's crust where rocks have shifted due to tectonic activity.
- Movement Mechanisms: Each type of boundary entails distinct movements: spreading initiates new land formation, colliding can generate uplift or downthrust, while sliding can cause seismic activity.
General Understanding
- Plate Movements: The three primary types of plate boundaries foster unique geophysical phenomena and contribute to Earth's dynamic nature.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of Plate Tectonics with these informative flashcards. Learn about key terms such as 'plate', 'fault', and the processes that drive the movement of Earth's lithosphere. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of this important Earth Science topic.
