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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is Sea-Floor Spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away from the ridge.

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What are Convection Currents?

Back

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

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface through geological time.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

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

Front

What are Tectonic Plates?

Back

Large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What happens at Divergent Boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What happens at Convergent Boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, which can cause one plate to be subducted beneath another, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.