Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the inner core?

Back

The inner core is the solid, innermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel, and is extremely hot.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the outermost physical layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What geologic feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

A rift valley is formed at a divergent boundary between two pieces of continental crust.

Front

What is convergent plate movement?

Back

Convergent plate movement occurs when two tectonic plates push against each other, often resulting in the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at a divergent boundary, as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The mantle is the thick layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at a divergent boundary.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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