Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological phenomena.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is the lithosphere?

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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What is the asthenosphere?

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

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing mountains or subduction zones.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

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What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the creation of new oceanic crust.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

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What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are earthquakes?

Back

Sudden shaking of the ground caused by the movement of tectonic plates.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

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What are volcanoes?

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Mountains formed by the eruption of magma from beneath the Earth's crust.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1