Metamorphic Rocks and Plate Tectonics Test Study Guide

This set of flashcards includes key terms and definitions related to metamorphic rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and Earth's interior.

Metamorphism

A process where pre-existing rocks undergo a chemical change usually due to heat and/or pressure.

Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks that have a layered, striped, or banded appearance.

Non-Foliated Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks that do NOT have a layered, striped, or banded appearance.

Contact Metamorphism

Metamorphism that occurs when magma heats up nearby rocks, causing them to change.

Regional Metamorphism

Metamorphism that occurs over large areas, often due to tectonic plate activity, causing intense heat and pressure.

Fault

A fracture along which the blocks of crust on either side have moved relative to one another.

Epicenter

The point on the surface of the Earth directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Primary Waves (P Waves)

The first seismic waves to leave the focus; can travel through solids and liquids; feature a back-and-forth motion.

Secondary Waves (S Waves)

The second type of seismic wave; only travels through solids; produces a side-to-side motion.

Richter Scale

An older scale used to measure the amplitude of the largest seismic wave; less accurate than newer scales.

Moment Magnitude Scale

A newer and more accurate scale for measuring earthquake strength, assessing plate movement and damage.

Convection Currents

Movements in the Earth's mantle that drive plate tectonics, including upwelling and sinking of materials.

Convergent Plate Boundary

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains and earthquakes.

Transform Plate Boundary

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past one another, often causing faults and earthquakes.

Deformation

Changes in the original shape of rock caused by stress.

Anticline

An upward fold in rock layers.

Syncline

A downward fold in rock layers.

Asthenosphere

The partially melted portion of the lower crust and upper mantle that allows for plate movement.

Mohorovicic Discontinuity (MOHO)

The boundary between the Earth's crust and the mantle.

Outer Core

The liquid layer of Earth's interior, composed of iron and nickel.

Inner Core

The solid, hottest, most compressed layer of Earth's interior, primarily made of iron and nickel.

Ring of Fire

An area of high volcanic and earthquake activity surrounding the Pacific Plate.

What are the major types of faults?

The three major types of faults are normal faults, reverse faults, and strike-slip faults.

Define normal fault.

A normal fault occurs when rock is pulled apart due to extensional forces, causing the hanging wall to move down relative to the footwall.

Define reverse fault.

A reverse fault occurs when rock is pushed together due to compressional forces, causing the hanging wall to move up relative to the footwall.

Define strike-slip fault.

A strike-slip fault occurs when two blocks of rock slide past each other horizontally, typically resulting from shear forces.

What is a transformation fault?

A transformation fault is a type of strike-slip fault that occurs at the plate boundaries, where tectonic plates grind past each other.

What is a blind fault?

A blind fault is a fault that does not reach the earth's surface, making it difficult to identify but still capable of causing