Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

Front

What are plate tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

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

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to subduction.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

The movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener, a German scientist.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle, which is divided into tectonic plates.