Evidence of Earth's Changing Surface

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally. An example is the San Andreas Fault.

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What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the theory that the continents are in constant motion on the surface of the Earth.

Front

What does the theory of continental drift state?

Back

The theory states that the continents were once joined in a super-continent and have moved over time.

Front

Which type of tectonic plate is older, continental or oceanic?

Back

Continental plates are older than oceanic plates.

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What type of plate boundary is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

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What is an example of a convergent boundary?

Back

An example of a convergent boundary is the boundary between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, which formed the Himalayan Mountains.

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What is an oceanic plate?

Back

An oceanic plate is a tectonic plate that lies beneath the ocean and is generally younger and denser than continental plates.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new oceanic crust.

Front

What is the significance of the San Andreas Fault?

Back

The San Andreas Fault is a major transform fault that marks the boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate.

Front

What are lithospheric plates?

Back

Lithospheric plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.