Plate Tectonics Flashcards

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1
Q

Crust

A

The outermost shell of a rocky 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. Separated into the outer core (molten) and inner core (solid).

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4
Q

Tectonic plate

A

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

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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 between 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

Volcanoes

A

A vent or fissure in Earth’s surface through which magma and gas 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

Break in the crust. The movement causes seismic waves which produce earthquakes.

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14
Q

Mid-oceanic ridge

A

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

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15
Q

Subduction zone

A

A plate 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.