Plate tectonics

Front

What are plate boundaries?

Back

Plate boundaries are the edges where two tectonic plates meet. They are significant because most earthquakes and volcanic activity occur along these boundaries.

Front

What is the Plate Tectonic Theory?

Back

The Plate Tectonic Theory explains that Earth's outer layer is broken into large, slowly moving pieces called tectonic plates.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

Continental Drift is the theory that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart over geological time.

Front

What are the two main types of tectonic plates?

Back

The two main types of tectonic plates are continental plates and oceanic plates.

Front

How do earthquakes relate to tectonic plates?

Back

Earthquakes often occur at plate boundaries where plates interact, causing stress to build up and eventually release.

Front

What is a rift zone?

Back

A rift zone is a region where tectonic plates are moving apart, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of new crust.

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is a hot spot?

Back

A hot spot is a location on the Earth's surface that has experienced active volcanism for a long period, often not associated with plate boundaries.

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.