Plate Tectonics

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, consisting of both continental and oceanic crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the lower mantle?

Back

The lower mantle is a layer of hot, liquid material that extends to Earth's core.

Front

Where do earthquakes commonly occur?

Back

Earthquakes commonly occur at plate boundaries, providing evidence for the theory of plate tectonics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a characteristic feature of convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains are commonly formed at convergent boundaries due to the collision of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the Pacific Ring of Fire?

Back

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a region of high tectonic activity, characterized by many oceanic trenches and volcanic islands.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What are divergent boundaries?

Back

Divergent boundaries are areas where tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a fault zone?

Back

A fault zone is a region where tectonic plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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 beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.