2.7 Lithospheric plates Flashcards
What is meant by the term lithosphere?
the rigid/brittle crust and upper part of the upper mantle
What is a lithospheric plate?
a discrete section of the lithosphere
Name the plate
Pacific Plate
Name the plate
North American Plate
Name the plate
South American Plate
Name the plate
South American Plate
Name the plate
Eurasian Plate
Name the plate
African Plate
Name the plate
Indian Plate
Name the plate
Arabian Plate
Name the plate
Australian Plate
Name the plate
Filipino Plate
Name the plate
Caribbean Plate
Name the plate
Cocos Plate
Name the plate
Juan de Fuca Plate
Name the plate
Nazca Plate
What evidence is used to delineate the boundaries of the lithospheric plates?
- earthquakes
- changes in heat flow
- chains of volcanoes
- ocean trenches
- rift valleys
- changes in gravity
- fold mountain belts
What is the key characteristic of the interior of lithospheric plates?
they are generally aseismic
What is a plate boundary?
a place where two plates meet
How many large plates are there?
7
one for each continent
