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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed around 200 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.