Plate Tectonics

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What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A transform plate boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along faults.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What does the Earth's lithosphere consist of?

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The Earth's lithosphere consists of the upper mantle and the crust, which includes both oceanic and continental crust.

Front

Where are the oldest rocks typically found?

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The oldest rocks are typically found at the edges of tectonic plates, often in continental crust regions.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

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Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another, leading to subduction.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often creating deep ocean trenches.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the significance of mid-ocean ridges?

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Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created through volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2