Plate tectonic Theory

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What is the Plate Tectonic Theory?

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The Plate Tectonic Theory explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

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What is sea-floor spreading?

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Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart, pushing the continents away from each other.

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What is continental drift?

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Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

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What type of plate boundary occurs when two plates collide?

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A convergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along faults.

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What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

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Convergent boundaries can form mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs due to the collision and subduction of tectonic plates.

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What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

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Evidence for continental drift includes the distribution of similar fossils across continents, the fit of continental coastlines, and geological similarities between distant landmasses.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.