6.4 Plate Tectonics

Question 1

Convergent boundary

Answer 1

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide with each other.

Question 2

Divergent boundary

Answer 2

A tectonic plate boundary where plates are moving apart from each other, such as at a mid-ocean ridge.

Question 3

Plate tectonics

Answer 3

The theory that states that Earth’s entire lithosphere – which includes the crust and uppermost part of the mantle – is composed of tectonic plates that are slowly moving around on Earth’s surface.

Question 4

Subduction

Answer 4

The process by which an oceanic plate plunges beneath another tectonic plate and goes down into the mantle.

Question 5

Tectonic plate

Answer 5

A large, rigid section of the lithosphere that moves as a single unit over the asthenosphere.

Question 6

Transform boundary

Answer 6

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other.

Question 7

Volcanic island arc

Answer 7

A line of volcanoes parallel to a deep-ocean trench.