Plate Tectonics and Boundaries

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

A scientific theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates and how they shape the Earth's surface.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Divergent, Convergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at a divergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates collide, which can cause mountains to form or lead to subduction.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Front

How do earthquakes relate to plate tectonics?

Back

Earthquakes occur primarily at plate boundaries due to the movement and interaction of tectonic plates.

Front

What is superposition in geology?

Back

The principle that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.