Plate Tectonics and Geological Processes

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to plate tectonics and geological processes discussed in the lecture.

Plate Tectonics

The theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Isostatic Equilibrium

The state of gravitational equilibrium between the Earth's crust and mantle, where the crust floats at an elevation that depends on its thickness and density.

Continental Drift

The hypothesis that continents move across the Earth's surface over geological time, a concept initially proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Subduction Zone

A geological feature where one tectonic plate moves under another plate, leading to recycling of the oceanic crust back into the mantle.

Asthenosphere

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Pangaea

The supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, from which modern continents later drifted.

Hot Spot

A location where magma from deep within the Earth rises to the surface, often resulting in volcanic activity, irrespective of tectonic plate boundaries.

Convergent Boundary

A tectonic boundary where two plates collide, leading to subduction or the formation of mountain ranges.

Divergent Boundary

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, creating new oceanic crust through seafloor spreading.

Transform Boundary

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

Paleomagnetism

The study of the record of Earth's magnetic field in rocks, which provides evidence for seafloor spreading.

Volcanism

The eruption of magma from below the Earth's crust to the surface, forming volcanic features.

Earthquake

A sudden and intense shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Tsunami

A series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, typically due to undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Fault Line

A fracture along which there has been displacement of the Earth’s crust; it is often associated with seismic activity.

Lithosphere

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost mantle.