Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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

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What is Continental Drift?

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The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time from a single supercontinent to their current locations.

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What is a Transform Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes, such as the San Andreas Fault.

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What is a Converging Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to mountain formation or subduction.

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What is a Diverging Boundary?

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A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

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What is Pangea?

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The name of the supercontinent that existed around 250 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.

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How does magma create new crust?

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Magma rises to the surface at diverging boundaries, solidifying to form new crust as tectonic plates separate.

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What evidence supports the Theory of Continental Drift?

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Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and the fit of continental margins support the idea that continents were once joined.

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What is the significance of fossil evidence in continental drift?

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Fossils of similar species found on different continents suggest that these continents were once connected.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.