Earth 4_L3_ Plate Tectonics (cont.)

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34 Terms

1
Plate Tectonics
The theory explaining the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which consists of several large plates.
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2
Lithospheric Plates
Sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, leading to geological activity.
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3
Continental Drift
The hypothesis that continents have moved across the Earth's surface over geological time.
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4
Divergent Boundaries
Plate boundaries where two tectonic plates move away from each other, forming mid-ocean ridges.
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5
Convergent Boundaries
Plate boundaries where two plates collide, causing subduction or mountain formation.
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6
Transform Boundaries
Plate boundaries where two plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to earthquakes.
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7
Asthenosphere
The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing for the movement of lithospheric plates.
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8
Hotspot Volcanism
Volcanic activity that occurs at the locations of mantle plumes, independent of plate boundaries.
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9
Paleomagnetism
The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to determine historical changes in Earth's magnetic field.
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10
Apparent Polar Wander
The perceived movement of the magnetic poles over time, suggesting that continents have moved.
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11
Seafloor Spreading
The process by which new oceanic crust forms at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge.
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12
Magnetic Reversals
Events when Earth’s magnetic field changes direction, recorded by the orientation of magnetic minerals in volcanic rocks.
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13
Continental-Oceanic Convergence
A type of convergent boundary where oceanic crust subducts beneath continental crust, forming volcanoes.
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14
Earthquakes
Seismic events that occur when stress builds up at plate boundaries and is suddenly released.
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15
Fringing Reef
A type of coral reef that grows around the flanks of active volcanic islands.
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16
Barrier Reef
A coral reef that forms as an island subsides, creating a lagoon between the reef and the island.
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17
Atoll
A ring-shaped coral reef that forms when an island sinks below sea level.
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18
Mantle Convection
The movement of the Earth's mantle due to heat transfer, driving the motion of tectonic plates.
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19
Ridge Push
A tectonic process that occurs at mid-ocean ridges, contributing to plate movement.
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20
Slab Pull
A process where a denser oceanic plate subducts under a lighter continental plate, pulling the rest of the plate along.
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21
Geological History
The history of the Earth, recorded in its stratified rocks and geologic formations.
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22
Oceanic Crust
The part of Earth's lithosphere that underlines the ocean basins, primarily composed of basalt.
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23
Continental Crust
The part of Earth's lithosphere that forms the continents, primarily composed of granite.
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24

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate moves under another, creating deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

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25

Orogeny

The process of mountain formation, typically through tectonic plate collisions.

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26

Explosive Volcanism

Volcanic eruptions characterized by the violent release of gas and ash, often occurring at convergent boundaries.

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27

Mid-Ocean Ridge

An underwater mountain range formed by seafloor spreading at divergent boundaries.

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28

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by the sudden displacement of water, often due to earthquakes.

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29

Lithosphere-Asthenosphere Boundary

The boundary between the rigid lithosphere and the semi-fluid asthenosphere, crucial for tectonic movement.

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30

Earth's Inner Core

The solid innermost layer of the Earth, composed primarily of iron and nickel.

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31

Earth's Outer Core

The fluid layer of the Earth's core that lies beneath the mantle and surrounds the inner core.

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32

Geothermal Gradient

The rate at which temperature increases with depth in the Earth's crust.

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33

Seismic Waves

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth's layers, often caused by earthquakes.

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34

Rift Valley

A lowland region formed by tectonic plates moving apart, often associated with divergent boundaries.

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