Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is the lithosphere?

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The lithosphere is the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle, characterized by its rigidity.

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What is the asthenosphere?

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The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle located beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

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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 at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is a tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

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

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often creating deep ocean trenches.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is a mid-ocean ridge?

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A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth's surface caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's lithosphere, often occurring along fault lines.

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NGSS.MS-ESS3-2