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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are deep-ocean trenches?

Back

Valleys along the ocean floor where oceanic crust slowly sinks toward the mantle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the motion of Earth's tectonic plates?

Back

The motion is slow and constant, occurring over millions of years.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What forms at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountain ranges, as tectonic plates collide and push upwards.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils, land features, and climate evidence.

Front

What is a rift valley?

Back

A lowland region formed by the divergence of tectonic plates, often found on land.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3