7.ES.3. Plate Tectonics

Question 1

Crust

Answer 1

The outermost shell of a rocky planet.

Question 2

Mantle

Answer 2

Layer of molten rock between the crust and core

Question 3

Core

Answer 3

Made up of mostly Iron. Separated into the outer core (molten) and inner core (solid)

Question 4

Tectonic Plate

Answer 4

The layer of rock that makes up the outer part of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle (lithospheric plates)

Question 5

Continental Drift Theory

Answer 5

The theory that continents gradually drifted over time to their present positions.

Question 6

Asthenosphere

Answer 6

A thin layer of Earth, about 150 miles thick, at the border between the mantle and the crust.

Question 7

Convection Current

Answer 7

The process in which the hotter parts of a gas or liquid rise to the top and the cooler, denser parts sink.

Question 8

Mountains

Answer 8

Uplift of crustal plates that form elevated landmasses.

Question 9

Volcanoes

Answer 9

A vent or fissure in Earth’s surface through which magma and gases are expelled.

Question 10

Divergent Boundary

Answer 10

When tectonic plates split apart.

Question 11

Transform Boundary

Answer 11

When tectonic plates slide past each other.

Question 12

Fault

Answer 12

Breaks in the crust. The movement causes seismic waves which produces earthquakes.

Question 13

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Answer 13

A long ridge of underwater volcanoes between two diverging oceanic plates.

Question 14

Subduction Zone

Answer 14

A place where where one tectonic plate sinks under another and melts. Also forms a trench.

Question 15

Rift Valley

Answer 15

A long narrow valley between two diverging continental plates.