Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The geological theory that explains how pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant, slow motion.

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What is Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

Who proposed the theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

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What is a Convergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What is a Divergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a Transform Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What causes plate movement?

Back

Plate movement is caused by convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is Seafloor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological formations, and the fit of continental coastlines.