Plate Tectonics and Land Formations

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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate slides under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent boundaries.

Front

What are trenches?

Back

Deep underwater valleys formed at convergent boundaries where one plate is subducted beneath another.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface over geological time.