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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Divergent, Convergent, and Transform boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What happens at a Divergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move apart, creating new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What happens at a Convergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below another, leading to mountain formation or subduction.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is a Transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A major transform fault in California known for its significant earthquake activity.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is the African Plate?

Back

A tectonic plate straddling the equator as well as the prime meridian, covering much of Africa.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2