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Chapter 1 - Plate Tectonics
n/a
20
Geology
Undergraduate 3
09/12/2011

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Term
List the layers of earth from the outer to inner most layer.
Definition
Curst, Mantle, Outer Core, Inner Core
Term
Mohorovicic Discontinuity
Definition
(Moho) The interface that separates the mantle from the crust
Term
Lithosphere
Definition
the outermost thick layer that is relatively strong and rigid; consists of the upper mantle and the crust
Term
Asthenosphere
Definition
The weak plastic layer contained entirely within the mantle
Term
Mesosphere
Definition
Starts below the asthenosphere and continues to the boundary with the outer core
Term
Oceanic Lithosphere
Definition
Underlies the world's ocean
Term
Continental Lithosphere
Definition
Underlies the continental regions
Term
Oceanic crust
Definition
Basaltic in composition and is about 7km thick
Term
Continental crust
Definition
composed of granodioritic material and varies between 35 - 45 km in thickness
Term
What are some ways tectonic plates interact?
Definition
Converging, diverging, transforming
Term
Subduction
Definition
along convergent margins, two plates move toward each other along their juncture one plate descends beneath the other
Term
Intraoceanic island arc
Definition
when the volcanic arc is embedded in the oceanic lithosphere
Term
Continental-margin island arc
Definition
if the volcanic arc is embedded in continental lithosphere
Term
Divergent Margin
Definition
when two plates move directly away from each other
Term
Mid-Ocean ridges
Definition
the locations of divergent margins and sites where new oceanic crust and lithosphere form
Term
Transform Margins
Definition
Site where two plates are sliding past each other; ideally, these margins are neither convergent nor divergent
Term
Slab Pull
Definition
the process that the dense leading edge of the subducting plate tends to pull it downward much like a weight on a fishing line
Term
Ridge Push
Definition
occurs at mid-ocean ridges where hot buoyant asthenosphere rises beneath the ridge, elevating it relative to adjacent areas
Term
Top-down convection
Definition
as the subducting plate moves laterally and downward into the asthenosphere it displaces material and induces the asthenospheric convective flow patterns
Term
List the major plates of planet Earth.
Definition
N. American, S. American, Pacific, African, Euroasian, Indian-Australian, and Antarctic
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