Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another.

Front

What drives the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle, which are caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move apart, often creating new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What are faults?

Back

Fractures in the Earth's crust where blocks of rock have moved past each other, often associated with transform boundaries.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What land feature is created by convergent boundaries?

Back

Folded mountains, which form when two continental plates collide.

Front

What land feature is created by divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges, which are underwater mountain ranges formed by the upwelling of magma.