Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift

Front

Plates move away from one another at ________ boundaries.

Back

Divergent boundaries are where tectonic plates move apart from each other.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at divergent boundaries as magma rises to the surface.

Front

How are ocean crusts moving during sea-floor spreading?

Back

The ocean crusts are diverging, meaning they are moving away from each other.

Front

Which type of boundary is a rift valley on land?

Back

A rift valley is found at a divergent boundary.

Front

What type of tectonic plate boundary involves a collision of plates?

Back

A convergent boundary is where tectonic plates collide.

Front

What geological feature is commonly formed at a convergent boundary between two continental plates?

Back

Mountains are commonly formed at convergent boundaries between two continental plates.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What can occur at a divergent boundary in the ocean?

Back

At a divergent boundary in the ocean, new oceanic crust is created, leading to the formation of mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is the significance of the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift explains how continents have moved over geological time and how they were once joined together.

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

A subduction zone is a region where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to volcanic activity.