Tectonics Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is plate tectonics, and how does it explain Earth’s surface movements?
It’s the theory that Earth’s crust is divided into moving plates driven by mantle convection.
What are the three main types of plate boundaries?
Convergent (collide), divergent (move apart), and transform (slide past each other).
How do convergent boundaries create mountain ranges like the Himalayas?
When two continental plates collide, they push up, forming mountains.
What geological features form at divergent boundaries?
Mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and new crust formation.
How do transform boundaries lead to earthquakes?
Plates slide past each other, causing stress buildup and sudden releases.
What is subduction, and why does it lead to volcanic activity?
A denser plate sinks under another, melting and forming magma, leading to volcanoes.
How does mantle convection drive plate movements?
Heat from the core causes rock movement, pushing plates around.
What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?
Fossil distribution, matching rock formations, and seafloor spreading.
What role do tectonic plates play in the rock cycle?
They recycle crust, creating igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
How can tectonic activity affect human populations and infrastructure?
Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions can damage cities and ecosystems.
What happens at a subduction zone?
One plate is forced under another, creating trenches, earthquakes, and volcanic arcs.
What is a rift valley, and where can one be found?
A rift valley forms at divergent boundaries on land, such as the East African Rift.
How do tectonic plates affect the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes?
Most earthquakes and volcanoes occur along plate boundaries due to interactions between plates.
What are tectonic hazards, and what causes them?
Natural disasters from plate movements, like earthquakes and volcanoes.
How do earthquakes occur at transform and convergent boundaries?
Transform boundaries cause sudden slips; convergent boundaries cause deep-focus quakes.
What factors determine the severity of an earthquake?
Magnitude, depth, location, and population density affect damage levels.
How do volcanic eruptions differ at constructive and destructive boundaries?
Constructive boundaries create gentle eruptions; destructive boundaries cause violent ones
What are the primary and secondary impacts of tectonic hazards?
Primary: Building collapse, injuries.
Secondary: Tsunamis, landslides, economic loss.
How can countries mitigate the effects of tectonic hazards?
Stronger infrastructure, early warning systems, and emergency planning.
Why are some regions more vulnerable to tectonic hazards than others?
Proximity to plate boundaries, economic development, and preparedness levels.
