RESTLESS PLANET Flashcards
What is an Earthquake?
Shaking and vibration of the Earth’s crust due to movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates
Why do Earthquakes occur?
When tension/energy is released from inside the Earth’s crust to the surface
Focus?
The point inside the crust where the pressure is released.
Plates
Broken up pieces of Earth’s crust
Epicentre?
The point on Earth’s surface above the focus.
Earthquake energy is released in…
Siesmic waves (these spread out from the focus)
Where are siesmic waves felt most strongly?
Epicentre
Lithosphere?
Made up of crust and upper mantle
Plate boundary?
Margin between 2 or more plates.
Convection current?
Carrying heat from the interior of the Earth to it’s surface.
Constructive plate boundaries?
When 2 plates are moving apart. (volcanoes -> islands)
Destructive (Convergent) plate boundaries?
Where an oceanic and continental plate are moving towards eachother. (Volcano till plate sinks then an Earthquake takes place)
Conservative plate boundaries?
When 2 plates are sliding alongside each other in different rates/directions. (Earthquakes)
Destructive (Collision) plate boundaries?
Where 2 continental plates are moving towards one another. (Fold mountains)
