Tectonic Plates Flashcards
What are the three plate margins?
Destructive, Constructive, Conservative
What happens at a destructive plate margin?
The plates move towards each other. The denser oceanic plate then sinks below the continental plate. The oceanic plate enters the subduction zone and melts. The molten magma may rise causing a volcanic eruption and energy is released which may be felt on the surface.
What happens at a constructive plate margin?
The two plates move apart. The magma breaks through and causes earthquakes.
What happens at a conservative plate margin?
The two plates move along side each other. The friction then causes earthquakes. Those are released suddenly when the plates sip and shift.
Can volcanoes form at conservative plate margins?
No, because there is no magma involved
What plate margins do earthquakes occur at?
All plate margins
Why do the tectonic plates move?
Because of convection currents
What is the structure of the earth inside out?
Inner core, outer core, mantle, crust
What is the crust of the earth divided into?
Tectonic plates
