Tectonic Plates and Geological Processes

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to tectonic plates, their movements, associated geological features, and relevant examples from the lecture notes.

What is the asthenosphere?

The softer, semi-molten layer under the lithosphere where tectonic plates slowly move.

How many major tectonic plates have scientists identified?

Seven major tectonic plates.

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

Plates move apart from each other.

What happens at convergent plate boundaries?

Plates collide with each other.

What occurs at transform plate boundaries?

Plates slide past each other.

What is convection in relation to tectonic plates?

The movement of heat in the mantle where hot material rises and cooler material sinks, aiding in the movement of tectonic plates.

What is an island arc?

A curved chain of volcanic islands formed when one oceanic plate subducts under another.

Give an example of an island arc.

The Lesser Antilles islands in the Caribbean.

What is the 5th largest tectonic plate?

The Antarctic Plate.

What volcanic feature is formed by the Nazca Plate and the South American Plate?

A powerful volcano in Ecuador.

What mountain range is created by the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate?

The Andes Mountains.

What significant geological feature was formed by the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate?

The Himalayan Mountains.

How do scientists identify locations of plate boundaries?

By studying earthquake patterns, volcanic activity, seafloor mapping, and satellite measurements of plate movement.

What is the deepest part of the Atlantic Ocean?

The Puerto Rico Trench.

Why did volcanic ash reach areas far from the Soufriere volcano?

Because strong winds in the atmosphere carried the volcanic ash across the Caribbean.

What is the largest tectonic plate?

The Pacific Plate.

Which countries belong to the Eurasian Plate?

China, Russia, Germany, France, Spain, and the UK.

Which tectonic plate is actively splitting apart?

The African Plate, splitting at the East African Rift.

What is the third largest tectonic plate?

The Eurasian Plate.

List seven minor tectonic plates and their locations.

1. Caribbean Plate - Caribbean Sea
2. Nazca Plate - west of South America
3. Cocos Plate - west of Central America
4. Arabian Plate - Middle East
5. Philippine Sea Plate - east of the Philippines
6. Scotia Plate - north of South America near Antarctica
7. Juan de Fuca Plate - off the northwest coast of the United States and Canada.