Plate Tectonics

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

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

A tectonic boundary where two plates collide, often forming mountains or causing one plate to be subducted beneath another.

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

Tall mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Far away from the mid-ocean ridge.

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

A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.