The subtopics for Forces of Tension – Orogenic processes are:
- Divergent plate boundaries
- Rift valleys
- Oceanic crust
- Continental crust
- Convergent plate boundaries
- Subduction zones
- Oceanic trenches
- Island arcs
- Collision zones
- Orogenic belts
- Fold Mountains
- Fault-Block Mountains
- Volcanic mountains
The Earth’s surface is made up of a number of tectonic plates that are constantly moving. These plates can move in three different ways: divergently, convergently, or transformly.
Divergent plate boundaries are where two plates are moving away from each other. This causes the Earth’s crust to stretch and thin, which can lead to the formation of rift valleys. Rift valleys are long, narrow depressions in the Earth’s surface that are formed when two tectonic plates move apart. The most famous example of a rift valley is the East African Rift Valley, which runs through Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.
Oceanic crust is the type of crust that forms the ocean floor. It is made up of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in magnesium and iron. Oceanic crust is much thinner than continental crust, and it is denser. This is because oceanic crust is made up of heavier elements, such as magnesium and iron.
Continental crust is the type of crust that forms the continents. It is made up of granite, a type of rock that is rich in silicon and aluminum. Continental crust is much thicker than oceanic crust, and it is less dense. This is because continental crust is made up of lighter elements, such as silicon and aluminum.
Convergent plate boundaries are where two plates are moving towards each other. This can lead to the formation of subduction zones, oceanic trenches, island arcs, and collision zones.
Subduction zones are where one tectonic plate is forced under another tectonic plate. The denser plate is subducted beneath the less dense plate, and it melts as it descends into the Earth’s mantle. This melting process produces magma, which can rise to the surface and form VolcanoesVolcanoes.
Oceanic trenches are deep, V-shaped depressions in the Earth’s crust that are formed at subduction zones. The deepest part of the ocean, the Mariana Trench, is a subduction zone.
Island arcs are chains of islands that are formed when volcanoes erupt along a subduction zone. The Hawaiian Islands are an example of an island arc.
Collision zones are where two continental plates are moving towards each other. This can lead to the formation of orogenic belts, fold mountains, fault-block mountains, and volcanic mountains.
Orogenic belts are long, narrow mountain ranges that are formed when two continental plates collide. The Himalayas are an example of an orogenic belt.
Fold mountains are mountains that are formed when the Earth’s crust is folded and buckled. The Appalachian Mountains are an example of fold mountains.
Fault-block mountains are mountains that are formed when the Earth’s crust is broken into blocks that move up or down. The Sierra Nevada Mountains are an example of fault-block mountains.
Volcanic mountains are mountains that are formed when volcanoes erupt. The Andes Mountains are an example of volcanic mountains.
The Earth’s surface is constantly changing due to the movement of tectonic plates. These changes can have a profound impact on the Earth’s climate, EnvironmentEnvironment, and life.
Divergent plate boundaries
- What are divergent plate boundaries?
Divergent plate boundaries are where two tectonic plates move away from each other. - What happens at divergent plate boundaries?
At divergent plate boundaries, magma rises to the surface and creates new crust. This process is called seafloor spreading. - What are some examples of divergent plate boundaries?
The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is an example of a divergent plate boundary.
Rift valleys
- What are rift valleys?
Rift valleys are long, narrow depressions in the Earth’s crust that form when two tectonic plates move apart. - What are some examples of rift valleys?
The East African Rift Valley and the Rhine Rift Valley are examples of rift valleys.
Oceanic crust
- What is oceanic crust?
Oceanic crust is the type of crust that forms the ocean basins. It is made up of basalt, a type of igneous rock. - What are the characteristics of oceanic crust?
Oceanic crust is denser than continental crust and has a thinner layer of sediment.
Continental crust
- What is continental crust?
Continental crust is the type of crust that forms the continents. It is made up of granite, a type of igneous rock. - What are the characteristics of continental crust?
Continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust and has a thicker layer of sediment.
Convergent plate boundaries
- What are convergent plate boundaries?
Convergent plate boundaries are where two tectonic plates move towards each other. - What happens at convergent plate boundaries?
At convergent plate boundaries, one plate can be subducted under the other, or the plates can collide and form mountains. - What are some examples of convergent plate boundaries?
The Andes Mountains and the Himalayas are examples of convergent plate boundaries.
Subduction zones
- What are subduction zones?
Subduction zones are where one tectonic plate is subducted under another. - What happens at subduction zones?
At subduction zones, the oceanic plate is subducted under the continental plate. The oceanic plate melts and forms magma, which rises to the surface and creates volcanoes. - What are some examples of subduction zones?
The Mariana Trench and the Aleutian Trench are examples of subduction zones.
Oceanic trenches
- What are oceanic trenches?
Oceanic trenches are long, narrow depressions in the Earth’s crust that form where one tectonic plate is subducted under another. - What are some examples of oceanic trenches?
The Mariana Trench and the Aleutian Trench are examples of oceanic trenches.
Island arcs
- What are island arcs?
Island arcs are chains of islands that form when volcanoes erupt along a subduction zone. - What are some examples of island arcs?
The Hawaiian Islands and the Japanese Islands are examples of island arcs.
Collision zones
- What are collision zones?
Collision zones are where two tectonic plates collide. - What happens at collision zones?
At collision zones, the plates are pushed together and form mountains. - What are some examples of collision zones?
The Himalayas and the Alps are examples of collision zones.
Orogenic belts
- What are orogenic belts?
Orogenic belts are long, narrow regions of the Earth’s crust that have been deformed by mountain building. - What are some examples of orogenic belts?
The Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains are examples of orogenic belts.
Fold mountains
- What are fold mountains?
Fold mountains are mountains that form when the Earth’s crust is folded and faulted. - What are some examples of fold mountains?
The Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains are examples of fold mountains.
Fault-block mountains
- What are fault-block mountains?
Fault-block mountains are mountains that form when the Earth’s crust is faulted and the blocks of crust move up or down. - What are some examples of fault-block mountains?
The Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Wasatch Mountains are examples of fault-block mountains.
Volcanic mountains
- What are volcanic mountains?
Volcanic mountains are mountains that form when volcanoes erupt. - What are some examples of volcanic mountains?
The Hawaiian Islands and the Andes Mountains are examples of volcanic mountains.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a type of plate boundary?
(A) Divergent
(B) Convergent
(CC) Transform
(D) Volcanic
Answer
(D) Volcanic is not a type of plate boundary. The three Types of Plate Boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform.
Question 2
What is the name of the boundary where two plates are moving away from each other?
(A) Divergent
(B) Convergent
(C) Transform
Answer
(A) Divergent boundaries are where two plates are moving away from each other. This causes the crust to spread apart and form new oceanic crust.
Question 3
What is the name of the boundary where two plates are moving towards each other?
(A) Divergent
(B) Convergent
(C) Transform
Answer
(B) Convergent boundaries are where two plates are moving towards each other. This can cause the crust to be subducted, or it can cause the plates to collide and form mountains.
Question 4
What is the name of the boundary where two plates are sliding past each other?
(A) Divergent
(B) Convergent
(C) Transform
Answer
(C) Transform boundaries are where two plates are sliding past each other. This can cause earthquakes and faults.
Question 5
What is the name of the crust that is found under the oceans?
(A) Oceanic crust
(B) Continental crust
Answer
(A) Oceanic crust is the crust that is found under the oceans. It is made up of basalt, which is a type of igneous rock.
Question 6
What is the name of the crust that is found on the continents?
(A) Oceanic crust
(B) Continental crust
Answer
(B) Continental crust is the crust that is found on the continents. It is made up of granite, which is a type of igneous rock.
Question 7
What is the name of the process where two plates collide and form mountains?
(A) Orogeny
(B) Subduction
Answer
(A) Orogeny is the process where two plates collide and form mountains. This can happen at convergent boundaries.
Question 8
What is the name of the long, curved mountain range that is formed by orogeny?
(A) Orogenic belt
(B) Fold mountain
Answer
(A) Orogenic belts are long, curved mountain ranges that are formed by orogeny. They are found all over the world.
Question 9
What is the name of the type of mountain that is formed when the crust is folded?
(A) Orogenic belt
(B) Fold mountain
Answer
(B) Fold mountains are mountains that are formed when the crust is folded. They are often found in orogenic belts.
Question 10
What is the name of the type of mountain that is formed when the crust is faulted?
(A) Orogenic belt
(B) Fault-block mountain
Answer
(B) Fault-block mountains are mountains that are formed when the crust is faulted. They are often found in areas with active faulting.
Question 11
What is the name of the type of mountain that is formed when magma erupts from a volcano?
(A) Orogenic belt
(B) Volcanic mountain
Answer
(B) Volcanic mountains are mountains that are formed when magma erupts from a volcano. They are often found in areas with active volcanism.