Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are Divergent Boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating rifts and ocean ridges.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are Convergent Boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in subduction or mountain formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are Transform Boundaries?

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Plate boundaries where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes.

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What is Subduction?

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all continents were joined together.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What drives Plate Movement?

Back

Convection currents in the asthenosphere, which are caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

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Rock, fossil, and climate data, as well as earthquake patterns and seafloor magnetism.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are Rifts?

Back

Deep valleys formed at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates are pulling apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2