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 the two types of crust?

Back

Continental crust and oceanic crust.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large, rigid piece of the Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle caused by the heat from the Earth's core.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart, often creating new crust.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3