Geology Quiz on Subduction and Earthquakes

The process where one tectonic plate slides under another, releasing accumulated energy and causing earthquakes.

Tectonic plates move apart, creating new crust along mid-ocean ridges.

The scale that measures the intensity of an earthquake based on its effects on the surface, ranging from slight shaking to complete destruction.

Tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

The scale that measures the magnitude of an earthquake based on the ground movement 100km from the epicenter, ranging from 0 to 10.

The area where the subducting plate descends beneath the overriding plate.

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

The process of subduction is driven by the movement of tectonic plates, which in turn is driven by the convection currents in the Earth's mantle.

Sudden displacement of water caused by an earthquake on the seafloor, generating a large wave.

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

The outermost layer of the Earth, composed of rocks and minerals.

The thickest and hottest layer of the Earth, composed of semi-molten rock.

The innermost layer of the Earth, composed mostly of iron and nickel.

The gently sloping part of a continent that extends underwater to a depth of 200 meters.

A steep slope that marks the transition from the continental platform to the deep ocean floor.

A flat expanse of the ocean floor located at depths between 3000 to 6000 meters.

The deepest parts of the ocean, often formed where tectonic plates collide.

The process of waves breaking down rocks along coastlines, forming beaches.

The outermost layer of Earth, made of solid rock and minerals.

A layer beneath the crust, primarily composed of silicon, magnesium, oxygen, and iron. Temperatures here exceed 600°C.

A liquid layer mainly made of iron and nickel, with temperatures around 5400°C.

The innermost layer of Earth, also composed of iron and nickel, but solid due to immense pressure.

This layer extends approximately 8km into oceanic zones or the ocean floor.

The process of breaking down and transporting soil, rock, and other materials by natural forces like water, wind, or ice.

The wearing down of rocks and minerals by changes in temperature and chemical composition.

Erosion caused by the force of moving water, such as rain, rivers, or ocean waves.

Erosion caused by the movement of glaciers, which can grind down rocks and carry sediment.

Erosion caused by wind, which can transport sand, dust, and other particles.

The rocky, solid part of Earth that forms the base for other spheres.

The liquid part of Earth, like oceans, rivers, and lakes.

The layer of gases that surrounds Earth, like oxygen and nitrogen.

The four spheres of Earth are interconnected and constantly interact with each other.

The spheres help to make Earth a unique and habitable planet, supporting life in all its forms.

A series of large waves caused by a sudden displacement of water, usually triggered by an earthquake on the seafloor.

The movement of tectonic plates that generates seismic activity in a specific region.

A process where two tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma from the Earth's mantle to rise and create new crust.

The rate at which the Baja California peninsula separates from the mainland, driven by tectonic forces.

The boundary between the Pacific and North American plates, where the plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

A theory suggesting that continents once formed a single supercontinent called Pangea and have drifted apart over millions of years.

The process of tectonic plates colliding after Pangea's breakup, leading to the formation of mountains.

The highest mountains on Earth are found in the areas where volcanic activity has been most intense over time.

The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago before the continents drifted apart.

Volcanic activity over millions of years has shaped the Earth's surface relief by creating mountains, valleys, and other landforms.

The theory explaining how Earth's outermost layer is broken into large plates that move over the mantle, causing various geological events.

Three main types of plate movement, including sliding past each other, moving apart, and colliding.

The Earth's crust is divided into these sections, some are named after continents.

There are two main types: oceanic plates, which are thinner and found under oceans, and continental plates, which are thicker and form continents.