Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the hypothesis of continental drift?

Back

The hypothesis states that the continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have since drifted apart.

Front

What evidence supports the idea that Africa was once in a cold climate?

Back

Glacier scars found in Africa indicate that it was once located in an area with a very cold climate.

Front

Why was Wegener's theory of continental drift not widely accepted?

Back

He could not explain HOW the continents moved.

Front

When an oceanic plate and a continental plate collide, which one subducts?

Back

The oceanic plate subducts beneath the continental plate.

Front

What type of boundary is formed when tectonic plates separate?

Back

A divergent boundary is formed when plates separate.

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is formed when two tectonic plates collide, often leading to one plate being forced below the other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.