Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

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What is Continental Drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangea.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of Continental Drift?

Back

The shape of the continents, similar fossils found on separate continents, and tree fossils found in odd places.

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What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A plate boundary where two tectonic plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

Front

What was Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed around 200 million years ago, where all the continents were joined together.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

The movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that lies beneath the lithosphere and allows tectonic plates to move.