Plate Tectonics Overview

Front

What is the process by which new oceanic crust forms along a mid-ocean ridge and moves away from the ridge?

Back

Seafloor spreading.

Front

What is the name of the large, ancient landmass that was composed of all the continents joined together?

Back

Pangaea.

Front

What is the valley that forms on land where two tectonic plates are moving apart?

Back

Rift valley.

Front

What do we call a fracture that occurs when rocks change their shape?

Back

Fault.

Front

What is a vent in Earth’s crust through which molten rock flows?

Back

Volcano.

Front

What is the boundary called where two tectonic plates slide past each other?

Back

Transform boundary.

Front

What is the term for the movement of tectonic plates that can cause earthquakes?

Back

Plate tectonics.

Front

What is the name of the deep underwater trench formed by the subduction of one tectonic plate beneath another?

Back

Trench.

Front

What is the process called when one tectonic plate is forced under another?

Back

Subduction.

Front

What is the term for the theory that explains the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

Plate tectonics theory.