BrainPOP: Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift suggests that continents have moved over geological time from their original positions, forming the current configuration of continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

In which direction did South America drift away from Pangaea?

Back

West.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil discoveries, including similar fossils found on different continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Front

What type of plate boundary is most likely to form a mountain range?

Back

A convergent boundary between continental plates.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the primary driving force behind the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The heat from the Earth's core causes convection currents in the mantle, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the significance of the Earth's core in relation to plate tectonics?

Back

The Earth's core is the source of heat energy that drives the convection currents in the mantle, which in turn causes the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3