Chapter 6 - Definitions

Question 1

Define continental drift

Answer 1

The continental movement of the continents over time

Question 2

Define continental shelf

Answer 2

Underwater cliffs between the beach and the ocean

Question 3

Define converging

Answer 3

Moving together

Question 4

Define converging boundary

Answer 4

The boundary between two tectonic plates that are moving together

Question 5

Define core

Answer 5

The centre of the Earth

Question 6

Define crust

Answer 6

Lithosphere; the outer layer of the Earth

Question 7

Define diverging

Answer 7

Moving apart

Question 8

Define diverging boundaries

Answer 8

The boundary between two tectonic plates that are moving apart

Question 9

Define fault

Answer 9

A fracture in rock where the tectonic plates have moved

Question 10

Define magma

Answer 10

Semiliquid rock found beneath the Earth’s surface

Question 11

Define mantle

Answer 11

The layer of molten rocj located beneath the Earth’s crush

Question 12

Define mid-ocean ridge

Answer 12

A series of underwater mountains that form as a result of tectonic plates moving apart and allowing magma to rise to the surface

Question 13

Define ocean trench

Answer 13

A deep ditch under the ocean along a tectonic plate boundary

Question 14

Define plate tectonics

Answer 14

The theory that the surface of the Earth is divided into a series of plates that are continually moving

Question 15

Define rift valley

Answer 15

A deep valley that forms as a result of tectonic plates moving apart on land

Question 16

Define sea-floor spreading

Answer 16

A theory that the middle of the ocean is spreading apart, forming new oceanic crust

Question 17

Define subduction

Answer 17

The movement of on tectonic plate under another tectonic plate

Question 18

Define tectonic plate

Answer 18

A large layer of solid rock that covers part of the surface of Earth; movement of tectonic plates can cause earthquakes

Question 19

Define transform

Answer 19

To change form; tectonic plates transform when they slide past each other

Question 20

Define transforming boundary

Answer 20

The boundary between two tectonic plates that are sliding past each other

Question 21

Define tsunami

Answer 21

A series of large waves that result from an underwater earthquake