Earth Structure and Evidence of Drift

Front

What are chemosynthetic bacteria/microbes?

Back

Microorganisms that obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances, such as hydrogen sulfide, and are often found in extreme environments like hydrothermal vents.

Front

What was Alfred Wegener's hypothesis about continental drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents were once part of a single landmass that broke apart and drifted to their current locations.

Front

Why did most geologists reject Wegener's idea of continental drift?

Back

Because Wegener could not identify the force that moved the continents.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

The area where one tectonic plate moves under another, typically where oceanic crust goes beneath continental crust.

Front

Define continental drift.

Back

The movement of the Earth's continents relative to each other.

Front

What is paleomagnetism?

Back

The study of the record of the Earth's magnetic field in rocks, sediment, or archeological materials.

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 evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

What are divergent plate boundaries?

Back

Boundaries where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.