Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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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.

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What is Sea-Floor Spreading?

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The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away, contributing to the movement of tectonic plates.

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What is Continental Drift?

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

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What is Paleomagnetism?

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The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to determine the historical changes in Earth's magnetic field and the movement of tectonic plates.

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What is a Transform Fault Boundary?

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A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

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What is a Divergent Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a Convergent Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain building.

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What is Subduction?

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The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

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What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

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An underwater mountain range formed by divergent tectonic plates, where new oceanic crust is created.

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What is the San Andreas Fault?

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A well-known transform fault boundary located in California, where the Pacific Plate and North American Plate slide past each other.