Plate Tectonic Review

Front

What is the theory that explains the movement of Earth's lithosphere?

Back

Plate tectonics is the theory that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What is a Convergent Boundary?

Back

A Convergent Boundary is a plate boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the Asthenosphere.

Front

What geological events are common at transform boundaries?

Back

Earthquakes are common at transform boundaries where two plates slide past each other.

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A Divergent Boundary is a plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, which suggests that continents have moved over geological time.

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the Moho discontinuity?

Back

The Moho discontinuity is the boundary between the Earth's crust and the underlying mantle.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which are thicker and less dense.