Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What landforms are created by convergent boundaries?

Back

Tall mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What landforms are created by divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

Where is the oldest sea floor found?

Back

Far away from the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

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