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 sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other.

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

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What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

An area where one tectonic plate slips under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is convection in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

The process by which hot molten rock rises, cools, and sinks back towards the core, driving plate movements.

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What is the law of superposition?

Back

A geological principle stating that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

Front

What are ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by divergent plate boundaries where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface through geological time.