Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

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What is a Divergent Boundary?

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A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move toward each other, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

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What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

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What is the Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries.

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What happens at a Convergent Boundary?

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Plates collide, which can cause earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

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What is Subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

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What is the African Plate?

Back

A major tectonic plate that includes the continent of Africa and surrounding oceanic crust.

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What is the Antarctic Plate?

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A tectonic plate that includes the continent of Antarctica and the surrounding ocean floor.