plate tectonics

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath the other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

An area where one tectonic plate is being pushed under another, often associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What geological features are commonly found at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What geological features are commonly found at divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What geological features are commonly found at transform boundaries?

Back

Fault lines and earthquakes.

Front

What causes earthquakes at transform boundaries?

Back

The friction and stress that build up as plates slide past each other, which is released as seismic energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2