8th Science 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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

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

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the Great Rift Valley?

Back

A major geological feature formed by a divergent boundary, where tectonic plates are pulling apart, leading to the formation of valleys.

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What is the Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by divergent tectonic plates, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved past each other, often found at transform boundaries.

Front

What is uplift in geology?

Back

The process by which Earth's crust is raised due to tectonic forces, often leading to the formation of mountains.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity and mountain building.