Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move over the asthenosphere, leading to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are tectonic plates made of?

Back

Tectonic plates are made of the continental and oceanic lithosphere.

Front

What occurs at a subduction zone?

Back

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate moves under another, typically an oceanic plate under a continental plate, leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What type of plate boundary is characterized by plates moving towards each other?

Back

Convergent plate boundary.

Front

What type of plate boundary is characterized by plates moving apart?

Back

Divergent plate boundary.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What geological features are commonly found at oceanic-continental boundaries?

Back

Oceanic-continental boundaries often feature deep ocean trenches and volcanic mountain ranges.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is denser and thinner than continental crust, which is thicker and less dense.

Front

What is a thrust boundary?

Back

A thrust boundary is a type of convergent boundary where one plate is pushed over another, but it is not officially recognized as a primary type of plate boundary.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2