Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithospheric plates and how they interact with each other.

Front

What is a supercontinent?

Back

A large landmass that is made up of multiple continents that were once joined together.

Front

What evidence supports the existence of a supercontinent?

Back

Different types of rocks found on all continents and the way continents fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The point on Earth's surface directly above the earthquake's focus.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where oceanic crust is pushed beneath continental crust.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often leading to one plate being forced below the other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, often as a result of an earthquake.