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 is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often causing earthquakes and mountain building.

Front

What happens at a Divergent Boundary?

Back

Two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What geological feature is formed by two continental plates converging?

Back

Mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas.

Front

What occurs at a convergent boundary between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Volcanoes are formed due to subduction of the oceanic plate beneath the continental plate.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is a Rift Valley?

Back

A lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates, often leading to the creation of new ocean basins.

Front

What is an Earthquake?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, often occurring at tectonic plate boundaries.