Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Front

What do tectonic plates float on top of?

Back

Tectonic plates float on top of the asthenosphere.

Front

Where is the highest concentration of volcanic and earthquake activity?

Back

The highest concentration of activity is all along the Pacific Ocean.

Front

At what rate do continents continue to move?

Back

Continents continue to move at about 2 centimeters per year.

Front

What primarily drives Earth's internal processes?

Back

Earth's internal processes are primarily driven by heat and convection currents.

Front

What happens when tectonic plates of different densities collide?

Back

The more dense plate subducts.

Front

Define continental drift.

Back

Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Back

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

Front

What occurs at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates collide, which can cause earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the mantle on which tectonic plates float.