Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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What is Subduction?

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The process by which one tectonic plate sinks beneath another and into the mantle.

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What are Tectonic Plates?

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Large sections of Earth's crust that move and interact with each other, carrying continents and oceans.

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What is a Convergent Boundary?

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A type of tectonic boundary where two plates collide, often causing mountains or deep ocean trenches.

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What is a Divergent Boundary?

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A tectonic boundary where two plates move apart, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust.

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What is a Transform Boundary?

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A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

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What is Sea Floor Spreading?

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The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as molten material rises from the mantle.

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What is Pangea?

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A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all continents were joined together.

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What are Mid-Ocean Ridges?

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

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What are Faults?

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Fractures in Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved past each other.