Plate Tectonics Flashcard Review

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What is a Supercontinent?

Back

A large landmass that is made up of multiple continents, such as Pangaea.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological formations, and the fit of continental shapes.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Huge pieces of the Earth's crust that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What happens at divergent boundaries?

Back

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

Front

What occurs at convergent boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates collide, which can cause one plate to be forced under another, leading to subduction.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.