Plate Tectonics Study Guide Quizlet

Theory of Plate Tectonics

The theory that explains why tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle

Tectonic Plates

Huge pieces of lithosphere (upper mantle and crust) that cover Earth like a broken eggshell

Plate Boundaries

Locations where tectonic plates meet and may converge, diverge, or transform

Convergent Boundary

Plates collide; associated with reverse faults

Divergent Boundary

Plates divide or move apart; associated with normal faults

Transform Boundary

Plates slide past each other; associated with strike-slip faults

Subduction

The process where the denser plate is pushed underneath the less dense plate and eventually melted

Oceanic–Oceanic Convergent Boundary

Creates island arcs, trenches, volcanoes, and subduction (TV’S)

Oceanic–Continental Convergent Boundary

Forms trenches, volcanoes, subduction, and mountain ranges such as the Andes

Continental–Continental Convergent Boundary

Forms large mountain ranges such as the Himalayas; neither plate subducts

Divergent Boundary (General)

Two plates move apart and new crust forms from molten magma

Continental–Continental Divergent Boundary

Forms rifts and rift valleys such as Iceland’s rift valley

Oceanic–Oceanic Divergent Boundary

Forms mid-ocean ridges; youngest rock at the ridge, oldest at the ocean edges

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Underwater mountain range formed by seafloor spreading

Transform Boundary Characteristics

Horizontal motion; crust is neither created nor destroyed; causes earthquakes due to stress buildup

San Andreas Fault

Example of a transform boundary where plates slide past each other