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.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

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

Back

Fit of coastlines, fossils of the same land animals on different continents, and ice sheets covering parts of continents.

Front

What occurs at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

New crust is created as tectonic plates move apart.

Front

Where are most volcanic island arcs located?

Back

Near deep-ocean trenches.

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The hot, gel-like zone within the mantle where convection occurs.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

The movement of the crust along faults or plate boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other.

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

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