Plate Motion

Front

What is plate motion?

Back

Plate motion refers to the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates on the asthenosphere, which can lead to geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological activity.

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift, proposed by Alfred Wegener, suggests that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over geological time.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

Back

Wegener used evidence such as the fit of continents, similar fossils found on different continents, and matching geological formations.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a tectonic 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 convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often leading to subduction or mountain formation.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates along faults.