Theory of Plate Tectonics

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to the Theory of Plate Tectonics, including types of plate boundaries, seismic activity, and volcanic features.

What is the main idea behind the Theory of Plate Tectonics?

The Earth's lithosphere is broken into large plates that float on the semi-molten asthenosphere, moving due to convection currents in the mantle.

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

What occurs at divergent boundaries?

Plates move apart, such as at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Plates move towards each other, causing features like volcanoes, trenches, and fold mountains.

What defines transform boundaries?

Plates slide past each other, an example being the San Andreas Fault.

Where is the Pacific Ring of Fire located?

It is a global region known for its volcanoes and earthquakes due to plate boundaries.

What are some key areas of seismic activity in the Caribbean?

Subduction zones near the Lesser Antilles and earthquake activity near Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.

How are earthquakes formed?

They are formed by the sudden release of energy along faults, commonly at transform and convergent boundaries.

What are intrusive volcanic features, and give examples?

Intrusive features are formed beneath the Earth’s surface when magma cools slowly; examples include sills, dykes, and batholiths.

What are extrusive volcanic features?

They are formed when magma reaches the surface; examples include volcanic cones and lava plateaux.

What happens to volcanic features over time?

Weathering and erosion may expose intrusive features; volcanic cones may collapse or erode, and lava plateaux may become rugged terrain.