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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all continents were joined together.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where sea-floor spreading occurs.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are transform boundaries?

Back

Boundaries where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils, land features, and climate evidence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large, rigid piece of the Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are convergent boundaries?

Back

Boundaries where two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3