Plate Tectonics Flashcard Review

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that the Earth's crust is divided into large pieces called tectonic plates that slowly move on top of the mantle.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

Fossils of the same species, like Mesosaurus, found on different continents indicate that continents were once connected.

Front

Why are Mesosaurus fossils found in both South America and Africa?

Back

Because the continents were once connected as a single landmass millions of years ago.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Huge pieces of the Earth's crust that slowly move on the upper, ductile part of the mantle.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of solid Earth between the crust and the core, made of dense silicates.

Front

How do scientists know that continents were once joined?

Back

The shapes of the continents allow them to fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Front

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A location where tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced under another.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time from a single landmass to their current locations.