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 is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is continental crust?

Back

The thicker, less dense part of the Earth's crust that forms the continents.

Front

What is oceanic crust?

Back

The thinner, denser part of the Earth's crust that forms the ocean floor.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

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

Front

What is a converging plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing mountains or earthquakes.

Front

What is a diverging plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, often creating new crust as magma rises.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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