Chapter 6 - Definitions Flashcards
Define continental drift
The continental movement of the continents over time
Define continental shelf
Underwater cliffs between the beach and the ocean
Define converging
Moving together
Define converging boundary
The boundary between two tectonic plates that are moving together
Define core
The centre of the Earth
Define crust
Lithosphere; the outer layer of the Earth
Define diverging
Moving apart
Define diverging boundaries
The boundary between two tectonic plates that are moving apart
Define fault
A fracture in rock where the tectonic plates have moved
Define magma
Semiliquid rock found beneath the Earth’s surface
Define mantle
The layer of molten rocj located beneath the Earth’s crush
Define mid-ocean ridge
A series of underwater mountains that form as a result of tectonic plates moving apart and allowing magma to rise to the surface
Define ocean trench
A deep ditch under the ocean along a tectonic plate boundary
Define plate tectonics
The theory that the surface of the Earth is divided into a series of plates that are continually moving
Define rift valley
A deep valley that forms as a result of tectonic plates moving apart on land
Define sea-floor spreading
A theory that the middle of the ocean is spreading apart, forming new oceanic crust
Define subduction
The movement of on tectonic plate under another tectonic plate
Define tectonic plate
A large layer of solid rock that covers part of the surface of Earth; movement of tectonic plates can cause earthquakes
Define transform
To change form; tectonic plates transform when they slide past each other
Define transforming boundary
The boundary between two tectonic plates that are sliding past each other
Define tsunami
A series of large waves that result from an underwater earthquake
