plate tectonics Flashcards

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1
Q

crust

A

the outer most shell of a planet

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2
Q

mantle

A

layer of molten rock between the crust and core

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3
Q

core

A

made up of mostly iron. seperated into the outer core (molten) and inner core (solid)

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4
Q

tectonic plates

A

the layer of rock that makes up the outer part of the earth, including the crust and upper mantle.

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5
Q

Continental Drift Theory

A

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

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6
Q

asthenosphere

A

a thin layer of earth about 150 miles thick at the border of the mantle and the crust

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7
Q

convection current

A

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

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8
Q

convergent boundary

A

when two tectonic plates come together

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9
Q

mountains

A

uplift of crustal plates that form elevated landmasses

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10
Q

volcano

A

a vent or fissure in earths surface through which magma and gases are expelled

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11
Q

divergent boundary

A

when tectonic plates split apart

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12
Q

transform boundary

A

when tectonic plates slide past each other

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13
Q

fault

A

breaks in the crust the movement causes seismic waves which produces earthquakes

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14
Q

mid-ocean ridge

A

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

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15
Q

subduction zone

A

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

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16
Q

rift valley

A

a long narrow valley between two diverging continental plates.