Front

What is plate motion?

Back

The movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates that causes geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils of the same species found on different continents, similar rock formations, and the fit of continental coastlines.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all continents were joined together.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

The sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

An opening in the Earth's crust through which molten rock, ash, and gases are expelled.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.