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.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What are the two types of crust?

Back

Continental crust and oceanic crust.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

Why does oceanic crust subduct under continental crust?

Back

Because oceanic crust is denser than continental crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

Front

What causes the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

The movement is primarily caused by convection currents in the mantle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the Lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

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.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1