Transform Boundaries in Earth Science

Questions and Answers

What are transform boundaries?

Where two plates slide against each other in a sideways motion (correct)

Where two plates collide

Where one plate is pushed beneath another

Where two plates are pulling apart

What do tectonic plates compose?

Earth's crust

Oceanic and continental crust make up the _________.

lithosphere

What are the two sections of Earth's crust?

Oceanic and Continental Signup and view all the answers

What component of the lithosphere is thinner than continental crust?

Oceanic crust Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Oceanic crust is liquid and denser; continental crust is solid and less dense. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Asthenosphere?

The soft layer of the Mantle on which the tectonic plates move Signup and view all the answers

What lies below the crust?

Mantle Signup and view all the answers

What causes large earthquakes at transform boundaries?

Abrasion and shear stress Signup and view all the answers

What is a fault?

A fracture in Earth's lithosphere where blocks of rock move past each other Signup and view all the answers

Match the fault types with their descriptions:

Strike-Slip Fault = Plates shifting side by side in opposing directions Reverse Fault = Plates shifting in a head-on direction overlapping at the edges Normal Fault = Plates that were previously overlapping but shift away, decreasing elevation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Transform Boundaries

Occur where tectonic plates slide past each other, leading to a horizontal motion.
No addition or destruction of material occurs at these boundaries.

Tectonic Plates

Composed of the Earth's crust; these masses shift and create surface changes.

Lithosphere

The Earth's outermost rocky layer, consisting of both oceanic and continental crust.

Crust

Divided into two main sections: Oceanic Crust and Continental Crust.

Oceanic Crust

Thinner and denser type of crust, made primarily of liquid.

Continental Crust

Thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, composed of solid material.

Asthenosphere

A soft layer in the mantle that allows tectonic plates to move.

Mantle

Located beneath the crust, includes portions of both the lithosphere and the asthenosphere.

Abrasion

Refers to the buildup of energy that can be released suddenly, leading to large earthquakes.

Shear Force (Stress)

A force that causes deformation through slippage along parallel planes, crucial for landslides and earthquakes.

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Natural disasters resulting from shear stress and abrasion at transform boundaries, impacting both the Earth and its inhabitants.

Fault

A fracture in the lithosphere where blocks of rock (plates) move past each other.

Strike-Slip Fault

A fault type involving two plates shifting sideways in opposite directions.

Reverse Fault

Formed by two plates shifting towards each other at angles, leading to overlapping edges.

Normal Fault

Occurs when overlapping plates move apart, causing a drop in elevation.

Description

Explore the concept of transform boundaries in geology with this quiz. Understand how tectonic plates interact and their implications for Earth's surface. Test your knowledge on the basic definitions and characteristics of these geological boundaries.