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.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What evidence did Alfred Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil discoveries, such as similar fossils found on different continents.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Front

What are magnetic stripes on the ocean floor?

Back

Patterns of magnetic minerals in the ocean floor that provide evidence for sea-floor spreading.

Front

Where would the oldest rock be found in the ocean?

Back

The oldest rock is found farthest from the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What are convergent boundaries?

Back

Places where tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What are divergent boundaries?

Back

Places where tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust.