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 apart, creating new crust as magma rises.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What landforms are created at divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What landforms are created at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust where blocks of land have moved past each other.

Front

What is magma?

Back

Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface that can rise to form new crust.