Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the lithosphere composed of?

Back

The lithosphere is composed of the outer mantle and the crust.

Front

At which type of plate boundary are mountains typically formed?

Back

Mountains are usually formed at convergent plate boundaries.

Front

What observation led to the development of the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics originated from the observation that some of Earth's continents could fit together like puzzle pieces.

Front

What type of plate boundary is associated with earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by plates moving at transform boundaries.

Front

What geological feature is created by the divergent plate boundary in the Atlantic Ocean?

Back

The divergent plate boundary in the Atlantic Ocean is creating an underwater mountain chain.

Front

Define plate tectonics.

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often resulting in the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past one another horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.