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.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, Divergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a Convergent boundary?

Back

Plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a Divergent boundary?

Back

A plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a Transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of a Convergent boundary?

Back

The Himalayas, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Front

What is an example of a Divergent boundary?

Back

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the Eurasian and North American plates are moving apart.

Front

What is an example of a Transform boundary?

Back

The San Andreas Fault in California, where the Pacific and North American plates slide past each other.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, due to tectonic plate movements.