Key Terms

Question 1

Hot spot

Answer 1

A point on the surface of the Earth located above a plume of rising magma.

Question 2

Hot spot example

Answer 2

The Hawaiian islands lie above one

Question 3

Lithosphere

Answer 3

The crust of the Earth and the upper part of the mantle

Question 4

Asthenosphere

Answer 4

The underlying semi-molten mantle that contains convection currents and that the plates float on.

Question 5

Plate tectonics

Answer 5

A theory that attempts to explain the formation and distribution of the Earth’s major structural features in terms of a series of plates that make up its surface.

Question 6

Seismic waves

Answer 6

Shock waves released by the rupture of rock strata at the focus of an earthquake. They travel through the rocks and are measured and recorded on a seismograph.

Question 7

Tsunami

Answer 7

Sea waves generated by shallow focus underwater earthquakes (most commonly), volcanic eruptions, underwater debris slides and large landslides into the sea.

Question 8

Volcano

Answer 8

An opening or vent through which magma, molten rock, ash or volatiles erupt on to the surface of the Earth.