Plate Tectonics

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is the Eurasian Plate?

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The Eurasian Plate is a major tectonic plate that covers parts of Europe and Asia.

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What is the Ring of Fire?

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The Ring of Fire is a region around the Pacific Ocean known for its high levels of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

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At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move apart from each other, leading to the creation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other, leading to subduction.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the Mid-Ocean Ridge?

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The Mid-Ocean Ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What are earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What are volcanoes?

Back

Volcanoes are openings in the Earth's surface where molten rock, ash, and gases can escape from below the Earth's crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1