Plate tectonics

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other on the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the Plate Tectonic Theory?

Back

The Plate Tectonic Theory explains that Earth's outer layer is broken into large, slowly moving pieces called tectonic plates.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the Asthenosphere, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere.

Front

What are the two main types of tectonic plates?

Back

The two main types of tectonic plates are continental plates and oceanic plates.

Front

What geological features are formed by tectonic plate interactions?

Back

Geological features such as mountain ranges, earthquakes, and volcanoes are formed by the interactions of tectonic plates.

Front

How do tectonic plates affect earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are often caused by the movement and collision of tectonic plates along their boundaries.

Front

What is a tectonic plate boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary is the region where two tectonic plates meet, which can be divergent, convergent, or transform.

Front

What happens at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Back

At convergent boundaries, tectonic plates collide, which can result in the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.