Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological activity.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart, leading to the creation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate sinks beneath another into the mantle, often forming deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of the Earth between the crust and the core, where convection currents occur, driving plate tectonics.

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

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