Terrain & Volcanoes Flashcards
What is the name of the outer layer of the earth?
The Crust
What is the name of the largest layer of the earth?
The Mantle
What is the name of the second-most central layer of the earth?
Outer Core
What is the name of the hottest layer of the earth?
The Inner Core
What are convection currents?
A convection current is a process that involves the movement of energy from one place to another. It is also called convection heat transfer. (This is useful in geography as it occurs in the mantle of earth)
How are volcanoes formed?
Convection currents create a force that pushes tectonic plates upward in order for gases to be released
What is the term given for the fragments of the crust of earth?
Tectonic plates
What do convection currents under the earth’s crust do?
Convection currents beneath the crust pull the continental crust into two directions, away from one another. As this happens, a rift valley forms. Eventually, the continental crust is completely ripped in half and new, oceanic crust plugs the gap. A new ocean basin is formed. Overtime, more magma rises and fills the gap, creating a mid-ocean ridge.
What is a constructive plate boundary?
A constructive plate boundary, sometimes called a divergent plate margin, occurs when plates move apart. Volcanoes are formed as magma wells up to fill the gap, and eventually new crust is formed. An example of a constructive plate boundary is the mid-Atlantic Ridge.
What is a conservative plate boundary?
A conservative plate boundary, sometimes called a transform plate margin, occurs where plates slide past each other in opposite directions, or in the same direction but at different speeds. Friction is eventually overcome and the plates slip past in a sudden movement. The shockwaves created produce an earthquake .
What are destructive plate boundaries?
A destructive plate boundary is sometimes called a convergent or tensional plate margin. This occurs when oceanic and continental plates move together. The oceanic plate is forced under the lighter continental plate. Friction causes melting of the oceanic plate and may trigger earthquakes.
What is the name of the waves created by earthquakes?
Seismic waves/Shock waves
What is the name of the centre of an earthquake?
The focus
What force is created when two plates form a mountain or volcano?
Friction
