Tectonic Plates Flashcards
How do tectonic plates move?
They move because of the convection currents created by the heat in the core.
How do convection currents work?
Hot mantel rises from the core.
Then mantle closer to the crust cools down and begins to sink back down into the lower parts of the mantle.
The circular movement is a movement that moves the plates that float on the mantle.
What is it called when tectonic plates pull away from each other?
A divergent plate boundary (Constructive)
What is it called when tectonic plates grind against each other?
A transform plate boundary (Conservative)
What is it called when a tectonic plate sinks under another?
A convergent plate boundary (Destructive)
What happens when tectonic plates diverge?
A volcano is formed because the mantel rises up
What other way can volcanoes be formed?
They can also be caused by colliding tectonic plates When one plate slides under another it begins to melt back into the mantle and some of the liquid mantle works its way back up to the crust and erupts as a volcano.
How do earthquakes happen?
Earthquakes occur when tectonic plates grind against each other creating shockwaves that vibrate through the Earth’s crust causing the ground to shake.
