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.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in sea-floor spreading.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below another.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.

Front

What are earthquakes?

Back

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

Any trace of an ancient organism that has been preserved in rock.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at divergent boundaries as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.