6.2) Plate Tectonics Flashcards
What are the three types of plate boundaries?
- Convergent
- Divergent
- Transform
State the two types of divergent boundaries
- Continental vs continental
- Oceanic vs oceanic
Are divergent plate boundaries constructive, conservative or destructive? Explain why
Divergent plate boundaries are constructive because new lithosphere is being made
What type of activities occurs in continental vs continental divergent plate boundaries?
Volcanic activity and earthquakes
What type of activities occurs in oceanic vs oceanic divergent plate boundaries?
New ocean floor, mountains, earthquakes and volcanic activity
State the three types of convergent boundaries
- continental vs continental
- continental vs oceanic
- oceanic vs oceanic
Are convergent plate boundaries constructive, conservative or destructive? Explain why
Convergent plate boundaries are destructive because lithosphere is destroyed
What are transform plate boundaries?
Transform Plate Boundaries are locations where two plates slide past one another
What is a fault?
A break in the Earth’s surface
Are transform plate boundaries constructive, conservative or destructive? Explain why
Transform boundaries are conservative because it does not create or destroy crust and will cause earthquakes, but no volcanoes
What are the 7 MAJOR plates?
- African,
- Antarctic,
- Eurasian,
- Indo-Australian,
- North American,
- Pacific
- and South American
List properties of continental crust
- less dense
- thicker
- consist of granite
List properties of oceanic crust
- more dense than continental
- thinner
- younger
Why is continental crust less dense than oceanic crust?
The Continental crust is composed of granitic rocks which are made up of lightweight minerals such as quartz and feldspar
By contrast, the oceanic crust is composed of basaltic rocks, which are much denser and heavier.
