Plate Tectonics Theory

Question 0

Transform boundary

Answer 0

Transform boundary: two plates slide along each other along a fault line. Pressure will Build up between the two, causing an earthquake. Eg. San Andreas fault

Question 1

Tectonic plate theory

Answer 1

The theory of tectonic plates is a combination of two theories. Continental drift and sea floor spreading. It means that the earths crust is broken up into large plates which are slowly moving, leading the continents on to move.

Question 2

Diverging boundary

Answer 2

When two plates move away from each other. It can occur in the middle of the ocean, causing sea floor spreading and oceanic trenches, or in the the middle of land, causing a Rift Valley or mid-ocean ridge. Sometimes associated with volcanoes.

Question 3

Converging boundary

Answer 3

Where two plates move towards each other. There are three types depending on the type of crust involved -
Oceanic and continental crust: subduction zones occur and oceanic crust is returned to the mantle. Mountains and volcanoes are created.
Continental and continental crust: the edges of the two plates crumple and form fold mountains,
Oceanic and oceanic crust: the older and denser crust subducts under the newer crust, creating an ocean trench.

Question 4

Subduction

Answer 4

The sideways and downwards movement of the edge of of a plate of the earths crust into the mantle beneath another less dense, plate.

Question 5

Magma vs lava

Answer 5

Magma is on the earth and lava is under the earth