Plate Tectonics and Landforms

Front

What is 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

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, Divergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at a convergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to subduction, mountain formation, or volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

Rifts and ocean ridges.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, primarily due to tectonic plate movements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What evidence did Wegener provide for continental drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

Why was Wegener's theory initially rejected?

Back

He could not explain HOW the continents moved.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What are earthquakes?

Back

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2