Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface through geological time.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What occurs at a Divergent Boundary?

Back

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

Front

What occurs at a Convergent Boundary?

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Tectonic plates move towards each other, which can result in mountain formation or subduction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What geological features are formed at Convergent Boundaries?

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Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and glacier scars found on different continents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where sea-floor spreading occurs.