Plate tectonics

Front

What is 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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

At divergent plate boundaries, tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust through sea floor spreading.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What geological activity is commonly associated with transform boundaries?

Back

Earthquakes are commonly associated with transform boundaries due to the friction and stress that build up as plates slide past one another.

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates diverge.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Front

What type of boundary is formed when two plates collide?

Back

A convergent boundary is formed when two tectonic plates collide.

Front

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Back

At convergent boundaries, one plate may be forced beneath another in a process called subduction, leading to the formation of mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic activity.