Plate Tectonics

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What are plate boundaries?

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Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet. They can be divergent, convergent, or transform boundaries.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is a divergent boundary?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced under another.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

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The movement of tectonic plates is primarily caused by convection currents in the asthenosphere, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the Earth's crust.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is an earthquake epicenter?

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The earthquake epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above where an earthquake originates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

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What are rift valleys?

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Rift valleys are low-lying areas that form where tectonic plates are pulling apart, often leading to the creation of new ocean basins.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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What are deep ocean trenches?

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Deep ocean trenches are the deepest parts of the ocean, formed at convergent boundaries where one plate is subducted under another.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is sea floor spreading?

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Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is a tsunami?

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A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large disturbances, such as underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2