Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Where do most earthquakes and volcanoes occur?

Back

Along plate boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

True or False: Earthquakes can occur when the crust moves along a fault or plate boundary.

Back

True.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What causes volcanic activity?

Back

Volcanic activity occurs when a subducting plate causes hot mantle material to rise to the surface, when oceanic crust pulls apart, or when continental crust stretches and breaks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What makes up the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is made up of the continental crust, oceanic crust, and the upper mantle.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large, rigid piece of the Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a fault?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is thinner and denser than continental crust, which is thicker and less dense.