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Plate Tectonics Words to Know
Define the vocabulary word and draw a picture or graphic illustrating the word.
Word
Definition
Picture/Graphic/Example
Convergent Boundary – formed where two
sections of the Earth’s crust are colliding.
Divergent Boundary – forms where two
lithospheric plates are moving away from each
other.
Transform Boundary – The boundary between
two lithospheric plates where the plates are sliding
past each other.
Tectonic Plate – one of the pieces of Earth’s
rocky crust that rest and moves on semi-liquid
mantle.
Fault - A crack within Earth’s rocky crust, where
rock has been fractured, and where rocks move
past each other.
Epicenter – the point on the Earth’s surface
directly above the location of an earthquake.
Plate Boundary – The region where two
lithospheric plates meet.
Mid-Ocean Ridge - An undersea mountain
range that forms where two parts of the
Earth’s crust are pushing apart. (a diverging
plate boundary)
Subduction - The process, in which one
lithospheric plate slides under another, occurs
at converging plate boundaries.
Seismic Waves - a wave of energy passing
through Earth, caused by an earthquake:
includes P-waves, S-waves, and L-waves
Uplift - The pushing up of the Earth’s crust by
forces within Earth; such as the action of two
lithospheric plates moving toward each other
Volcanoes - A hill or mountain formed by
material that erupts onto Earth’s surface
caused by action of magma below. A Mountain
formed by lava and ash.
Convection Current – the transfer of
thermal energy in a fluid (liquid or gas), in
which warmer fluid rises and cooler fluid sinks.
Focus - The point within the Earth where an
earthquake took place.
Magnitude – The strength or intensity of a
property or event, such as the brightness of a
star, or an earthquake.