Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the cycle of heating, rising, cooling, and sinking in the Earth's mantle called?

Back

Convection current

Front

Why did other scientists not believe in Wegener’s theory of continental drift?

Back

He could not explain how the continents moved.

Front

What type of plate boundary occurs when two plates slide past one another?

Back

Transform Boundary

Front

What causes the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

Because of molten rock heating and cooling within the mantle.

Front

What are the sections of the Earth's crust and upper mantle called?

Back

Plates

Front

What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?

Back

Crust

Front

What is the layer of the Earth beneath the crust that is semi-fluid and allows for plate movement?

Back

Mantle

Front

What is the boundary called where two tectonic plates collide?

Back

Convergent Boundary

Front

What is the process called when one tectonic plate is forced under another?

Back

Subduction

Front

What is the name of the theory that explains the movement of the Earth's plates?

Back

Plate Tectonics