plate tectonics

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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological events such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Front

What occurs at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in mountain building, earthquakes, or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along faults.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift in the early 20th century.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Evidence includes the fit of continental coastlines, similar fossils found on different continents, and geological similarities across continents.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the Earth's mantle, driven by heat from the Earth's core.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.