Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once part of a single landmass called Pangaea.

Front

What are Plate Tectonics?

Back

The scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What geological feature is formed at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

Mid-Ocean Ridges, where tectonic plates move apart and new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is Sea Floor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and moves away from the ridge.

Front

What type of plate boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

Transform boundary, where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What is a Convergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What is a Divergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What are Deep Sea Trenches?

Back

Narrow, deep depressions in the ocean floor formed at subduction zones.

Front

What is the Great Rift Valley?

Back

A geological feature in Africa caused by divergent tectonic plates.