29 Questions
What is plate tectonics?
The theory that the earth's surface is broken into plates that move on the asthenosphere
How thick can continental plates be according to the text?
150 km
What is the asthenosphere?
The upper part of the mantle where plates ride
Who proposed the theory of plate tectonics?
Geologists studying the earth
How do plates move according to plate tectonics?
They slide along on the asthenosphere
What do geologists now have thanks to plate tectonics?
An understanding of drifting continents
What is one result of plate tectonics according to the text?
Formation of new oceanic plates
What is the main theory behind plate movement?
Convection currents in the mantle
What are the main components of the Earth's core?
Iron and nickel
How does heat from the core cause plate movement?
By creating convection currents in the mantle
What is represented by the hard outer layer of the earth in the apple analogy?
The crust or lithosphere
What happens when oceanic crust is forced under another plate?
It is pushed back into the mantle
How are continental boundaries different from plate boundaries?
Continental boundaries are static while plate boundaries are dynamic
What is the source of heat that drives the process of plate movement?
Radioactive decay of uranium and other elements
What is the theory that explains the large-scale changes on Earth's surface?
Plate Tectonics theory
What is the thickness range of oceanic plates according to the text?
5-10 km thick
In plate tectonics, what is the name of the softer layer of Earth that the plates ride along on?
Asthenosphere
How thick can continental plates be according to the text?
Up to 150 km thick
What did plate tectonics provide geologists with?
An all-encompassing theory to tie their observations and data together
Which part of the Earth's structure is represented by the asthenosphere in plate tectonics?
Mantle
What was the mystery solved by plate tectonics according to the text?
The drifting continents mystery
What is the main cause of plate movement according to the text?
Heat generated by the radioactive decay of elements in the core
In the apple analogy used in the text, what does the fruit of the apple represent?
The mantle
What geological feature is used to identify converging boundaries in plate tectonics?
Deep ocean trenches
How do convection currents in the mantle contribute to plate movement?
By providing a mechanism for moving the plates indirectly
What effect does ridge push have on plate movement?
Pushes plates along and flattens them out
What happens when oceanic crust is forced under another plate?
It slides back into the mantle
How is plate movement similar to the action of a convection current in a pot of boiling water?
Hot rock flows upward and cool rock flows downward
What role does gravity play in assisting plate movement according to the text?
'Gravity assists in pulling plates along and giving them an additional force to keep moving'
Explore the concept of plate tectonics and how Earth's plates interact and move. Learn about the breakage and movement of Earth's lithosphere, and discover the significance of tectonic plates in shaping our planet's geology.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
