Ch.3 Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

What was Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all continents were joined together.

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be subducted beneath the other.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is Oceanic Crust?

Back

The part of Earth's crust that is found under the ocean, generally thinner and denser than continental crust.

Front

What is Continental Crust?

Back

The part of Earth's crust that forms the continents, generally thicker and less dense than oceanic crust.

Front

What is a Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is Seafloor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.