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 the two types of crust?

Back

Continental crust and oceanic crust.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Front

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What type of boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

Transform boundary, where two plates slide past each other.

Front

What are ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates collide, often causing one plate to subduct.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

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.