plate tectonics

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often leading to subduction or mountain formation.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate is forced beneath another plate into the mantle.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is paleomagnetism?

Back

The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to understand the history of Earth's magnetic field and plate movements.