The Continental Drift Theory & Plate Tectonics

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What is the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

The Continental Drift Theory is the idea that continents have moved over geological time from a single supercontinent called Pangaea to their current locations.

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How did scientists initially react to the Continental Drift Theory?

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Most scientists reacted with skepticism when the theory was first proposed.

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large slabs of rock that carry the continents and move very slowly due to movement in the mantle.

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What causes the movement of Earth's plates?

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The movement of Earth's plates is caused by convection currents in the mantle.

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

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What is seafloor spreading?

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Seafloor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust forms when magma rises up and solidifies at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

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What is the lithosphere?

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The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, made up of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

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What is the asthenosphere?

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The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.