Geology Chapter 3: Plate Tectonics Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is the asthenosphere?

A semiliquid layer beneath tectonic plates (correct)

A solid layer of Earth

The inner core

The outer core

What is oceanic crust?

Crust found under the oceans.

What does continental drift refer to?

When all the continents came together.

What is a fossil?

Any trace of an ancient organism. Signup and view all the answers

What is sea floor spreading?

Mid-ocean ridges add new material to the ocean floor from molten material that rises, erupts, cools and hardens in the crack. Signup and view all the answers

What is subduction?

Process by which the ocean floor sinks beneath a deep ocean trench and back into the mantle. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at a divergent boundary?

Earth's plates move apart from each other. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at a convergent boundary?

Earth's plates come together. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at a transform boundary?

Earth's plates slip past each other. Signup and view all the answers

Why do Earth’s plates move?

Because they are the top part of large convection currents in the mantle and because of subduction. Signup and view all the answers

What are faults?

Breaks in the Earth's crust where rocks have slipped past each other. Signup and view all the answers

Continental crust is thicker than oceanic crust.

True Signup and view all the answers

Mountain formation can occur when?

Two continental plates collide. Signup and view all the answers

What is Earth's only liquid layer?

Outer core. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Alfred Wegener?

Scientist credited with proposing the idea that led to plate tectonics theory. Signup and view all the answers

What is Earth's outermost layer?

Crust. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of plate tectonics believe?

That continents are in slow constant motion. Signup and view all the answers

What is Pangea?

Landmass of Earth's continents grouped together over 225 million years ago. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plate Tectonics Overview

Tectonic plates float on the asthenosphere, a semiliquid layer beneath the Earth's crust.
Oceanic crust is specifically located under the oceans, whereas continental crust is found above water and is thicker than oceanic crust.

Continental Drift and Fossils

The concept of continental drift refers to the historical merging of all continents into a single landmass.
Fossils provide evidence of ancient organisms, aiding in the understanding of Earth's geological history and the movement of continents.

Sea Floor Spreading and Subduction

Sea floor spreading occurs at mid-ocean ridges where molten material emerges, adds new layers to the ocean floor, and then cools and hardens.
Subduction is the process where the ocean floor descends beneath a deep ocean trench and returns to the mantle.

Plate Boundaries

Divergent boundaries involve tectonic plates moving apart, creating new crust.
Convergent boundaries occur when plates collide, which can lead to mountain formation.
Transform boundaries feature plates sliding past each other, causing earthquakes along faults.

Earth's Lithosphere and Mantle Dynamics

The lithosphere consists of Earth's outermost layer (the crust) and the upper mantle.
Plates are driven by large convection currents within the mantle and the process of subduction.

Historical Figures and Theories

Alfred Wegener is credited with developing the theory that led to our understanding of plate tectonics.
The theory of plate tectonics posits that continents are in continuous, slow motion.
Pangea was a supercontinent that existed over 225 million years ago, consisting of all Earth's landmasses joined together.

Unique Earth Features

The outer core is the only liquid layer of Earth, existing beneath the solid mantle and above the solid inner core.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms related to Plate Tectonics with these flashcards. From the asthenosphere to sea floor spreading, this set will help reinforce your understanding of geological concepts and processes. Perfect for students studying geology or earth science!