Continental Drift and Plate Boundaries

Front

What does the Earth's lithosphere contain?

Back

The lithosphere contains the upper mantle, oceanic crust, and continental crust.

Front

What does the presence of similar fossils in South America and Africa support according to the continental drift hypothesis?

Back

It supports the idea that South America and Africa were once connected together.

Front

Who is credited with developing the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where tectonic plates move apart, leading to ocean basin formation.

Front

What is the continental crust made mostly of?

Back

The continental crust is made mostly of granite.

Front

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, tectonic plates collide, which can create mountains or volcanoes.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains the movement of the Earth's plates and how they interact at their boundaries.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil similarities, geological formations, and the fit of continental coastlines support the theory.