Chapter 3 Flashcard Review

Front

The geological theory of _______ states that pieces of Earth’s lithosphere are in constant, slow motion.

Back

plate tectonics

Front

What geologic process formed the Himalayas?

Back

two continental plates converging

Front

Which piece of evidence did Wegener use to prove continental drift?

Back

All of the above (The shape of the continents, Similar fossils found on separate continents, Climate changes on continents)

Front

The Theory of Continental Drift states that Pangaea broke apart and the continents 'drifted' away from each other. True or False?

Back

True

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

the name of the super-continent that existed millions of years ago

Front

Define 'subduction'.

Back

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

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A massive, irregularly shaped slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away from the ridge.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities across continents, and the fit of the continents.

Front

What is a transform fault boundary?

Back

A type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.