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.

Front

What are the two types of crust?

Back

Continental crust and oceanic crust.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the Asthenosphere.

Front

What happens at a convergent plate boundary?

Back

One tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to subduction and volcanic activity.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

How do volcanic islands form?

Back

Volcanic islands can form from magma that rises at a convergent plate boundary.

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

A semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is the Moho discontinuity?

Back

The boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle.