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 convergent plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of the Earth located between the crust and the core, composed of semi-solid rock.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

A semi-fluid layer of the mantle on which tectonic plates float and move.

Front

What are seismic waves?

Back

Waves of energy that travel through the Earth, generated by earthquakes or man-made explosions, used to study the Earth's interior.

Front

How do scientists study the Earth's interior?

Back

By analyzing seismic waves that provide information about the different layers of the Earth.