Plate Tectonics and Earth's Structure

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to plate tectonics and Earth's geological structure.

Tectonic Plates

Large, rigid pieces of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Convergent Boundaries

Places where tectonic plates collide, leading to mountains, earthquakes, and volcanoes.

Divergent Boundaries

Regions where tectonic plates pull apart, causing seafloor spreading and rift valleys.

Transform Boundaries

Regions where tectonic plates slide past each other, often resulting in earthquakes.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of Earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

Asthenosphere

The semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere, allowing for tectonic plate movement.

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate sinks beneath another, often creating volcanic arcs.

Earthquake

The shaking of the ground caused by the fracturing and movement of rocks along faults.

Magma

Molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Lava

Magma that reaches the Earth's surface.

Seafloor Spreading

The process of new oceanic crust forming at mid-ocean ridges, pushing older crust outward.

Hot Spot

A stationary region of upwelling magma beneath a tectonic plate, creating volcanic islands.

Aftershocks

Smaller earthquakes that occur after the main earthquake, gradually decreasing in frequency.

Convection Currents

The movements within the mantle caused by the heat from the Earth's core, driving tectonic plate motion.

Geologic Time Scale

A timeline used to describe the timing and relationships of events in Earth's history.

Volcanoes

An opening in Earth’s surface where lava, gases, and ash are expelled.

Fault

A fracture in rock along which there is movement; associated with seismic activity.

Primary Effects of Earthquakes

Immediate impacts like shaking and ground displacement that cause structural damage.

Secondary Effects of Earthquakes

Consequences following an earthquake, such as landslides, fires, and tsunamis.

Plate Tectonics Theory

The scientific theory explaining the movement of Earth's plates and the associated geological activity.