Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are the two types of crust?

Back

Continental crust and oceanic crust.

Front

What causes the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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 are Ocean Ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by divergent plate boundaries.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to subduct.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.