Evidence for Plate Tectonics

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What is the theory of plate tectonics?

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The theory that explains how the Earth's plates move and interact with each other, leading to geological phenomena like earthquakes and volcanoes.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is continental drift?

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The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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What are tectonic plates?

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Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is the San Andreas Fault?

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A major fault line in California that is a boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

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What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

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Geological features, fossil distribution, and mineral deposits all provide evidence for plate tectonics.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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Where do most earthquakes occur?

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Most earthquakes occur along the edges of tectonic plates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

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What are mid-ocean trenches?

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Deep underwater valleys formed at convergent plate boundaries where one plate is being subducted under another.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is seafloor spreading?

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The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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How do scientists measure plate movement?

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Scientists use satellites and GPS technology to measure the movement of tectonic plates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What role do volcanoes play in plate tectonics?

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Volcanoes often form at divergent and convergent plate boundaries, where plates either pull apart or collide.