Geology Flashcards 2014 FRQ

Questions and Answers

Describe what happens when two tectonic plates collide along a subduction zone.

One plate becomes pushed underneath another.

Explain how subduction leads to volcanic activity.

One of the plates will be pushed down by great pressure and temperatures so deep that the water from the subducting slab will begin to accumulate between both plates, then eventually the plate will melt once the water lowers the temperature of the mantle. The magma then rises to the surface to produce a linear belt of volcanoes.

What is primary succession?

The development of plant and animal life in an area without topsoil; the development of biotic communities in a previously uninhabited and barren habitat with little or no soil.

Explain how primary succession can lead to soil formation on a newly formed volcanic landscape.

Primary succession often occurs on rock formation (similar to those after a volcano); the conditions are optimum for the creation of new soil. Also, plants that thrive in thin, mineral-based soils dominate the landscape. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a tsunami is generated along a subduction zone.

The deformation of rock during the subduction of tectonic plates often creates small tremors on the ocean floor. This 'underwater earthquake' can cause a tsunami on the ocean's surface. Tsunamis arise from the sudden displacement of gigantic water masses due to earthquakes on the seabed, volcanic eruptions above and underwater, landslides, or meteorite impacts. Signup and view all the answers

Describe one negative ecological impact that tsunamis have on coastal environments.

Destruction of or loss of habitat such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, etc. due to flooding. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens to the tectonic plates along the transform boundary at the moment when an earthquake occurs.

A large amount of energy is released from two tectonic plates. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens to the tectonic plates along a transform boundary during the time between earthquakes.

During the time between earthquakes, tension and strain is building between the tectonic plates. This energy is released when the plates actually move, creating an earthquake. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Subduction Zones and Tectonic Plates

Tectonic plates collide at subduction zones resulting in one plate being pushed beneath another.
Subduction creates conditions for volcanic activity due to high pressure and temperature triggering the melting of the subducted plate.
The melting plate releases water, lowering mantle temperatures and forming magma that can rise to produce volcanoes.

Primary Succession and Soil Formation

Primary succession occurs in barren environments lacking topsoil, leading to the establishment of biotic communities.
On newly formed volcanic landscapes, primary succession can initiate soil formation from rock, aided by pioneer species that thrive in mineral-rich conditions.

Tsunamis and Their Formation

Tsunamis are generated by the deformation of the ocean floor during tectonic plate subduction, resulting in underwater earthquakes.
These earthquakes displace large volumes of water, leading to the formation of tsunamis, which can also be triggered by volcanic eruptions, landslides, or meteorite impacts.

Ecological Impacts of Tsunamis

Tsunamis can cause significant ecological damage, including the destruction of crucial habitats such as mangrove forests and coral reefs due to flooding.

Transform Boundaries and Earthquakes

During an earthquake at a transform boundary, significant energy is released due to the friction and stress accumulated between tectonic plates.
Between earthquakes, tension and strain build up as plates remain locked together, culminating in a sudden release of energy when movement occurs.

Description

These flashcards cover key concepts about tectonic plate collisions and their effects, specifically focusing on subduction zones. Learn how these geological processes lead to volcanic activity and the mechanisms involved in plate interactions.