Plate tectonics Flashcards
1
Q
Lithosphere
A
- Crust and upper mantle, where tectonic plates are formed
2
Q
Crust
A
Two types;
- Oceanic
- Continental
3
Q
Oceanic
A
- Broken layer of basaltic rocks = SIMA
- Made from SILICA and MAGNESIUM
- Thinner
- Younger
- Heavy/denser
4
Q
Continental
A
- Mainly granitic rock = SIAL
- Made from SILICA and ALUMINIUM
- Thicker
- Older
- Light/ less dense
5
Q
Upper mantle
A
Rocks here are solid and sit on the asthenosphere
6
Q
SIMA
A
- Lower layer of the Earth’s crust
- Found beneath oceans
7
Q
SIAL
A
- Upper layer of the Earth’s crust
- Forms continental land masses
- Thicker and less dense as SIMA
8
Q
Asthenosphere
A
- Layer of soft, plastic-like rock
- Moves very slowly
- Carrying the lithosphere on top
9
Q
Mantle
A
- Widest section of the earth = 2900km thick
- Great heat and pressure
- Silicate rocks are in thick, liquid state = denser with depth
10
Q
Outer core
A
- Mainly made up of iron
- Semi-liquid
11
Q
Inner core
A
- Mainly made up of an iron-nickel alloy
- Soild
- Hottest part = 5000 degrees
- 4 times as dense as crust
