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

How far do tectonic plates move each year?

Back

Centimeters per year.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates slide past each other?

Back

Transform boundary.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced under another.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

What happens at a transform boundary?

Back

Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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