Tectonics (Key Terms) Flashcards
What is the definition of tectonics?
Tectonics refers to the study of the Earth’s structural features and the processes that shape its surface, particularly the movement of the Earth’s lithospheric plates.
True or False: The lithosphere is broken into tectonic plates.
True
Fill in the blank: The boundary where two tectonic plates meet is called a _______.
plate boundary
What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
Divergent, convergent, and conservative (transform) boundaries.
Multiple Choice: Which type of plate boundary is characterized by plates moving away from each other? A) Convergent B) Divergent C) Transform
B) Divergent
What is subduction?
Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.
True or False: Earthquakes commonly occur at transform boundaries.
True
What geological feature is often formed at convergent boundaries?
Mountain ranges or deep ocean trenches.
Fill in the blank: The theory that explains the movement of tectonic plates is known as _______.
plate tectonics
What type of tectonic boundary is the San Andreas Fault an example of?
Transform boundary.
What is a hotspot?
Hotter than surrounding magma rises and weakens the crust, forming a volcano
What makes up the lithosphere?
Crust and upper mantle
What makes up the asthenosphere?
Semi molten magma under the lithosphere
What is slab pull?
When the heavier plate is pulled into the mantle due to gravity
What is the focus of an earthquake?
The point underground where pressure is released
What is the epicentre of an earthquake?
The point on the surface above the focus
What are the three main waves?
Primary
Secondary
Love
What is a lahar?
Fast mudflows that occur when rain mobilises volcanic ash deposits
How do tsunamis occur?
The movement of the sea bed displaces lots of water
Why does a low HDI mean a higher risk of disaster?
•Many people lack basic things
•Housing is informally constructed
•Poor access to healthcare
•Education is lower, so less awareness of risk
