Earth and Space

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents were once joined together in a single landmass and have slowly moved apart over time.

Front

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

Back

Wegener used evidence from land features, fossils, and climate to support his theory.

Front

What evidence was NOT used by Wegener as proof of continental drift?

Back

Erosion.

Front

Why did most geologists reject Wegener's idea of continental drift?

Back

Because Wegener could not identify the force that moved the continents.

Front

What is the term for the movement of continents over Earth's surface?

Back

Continental drift.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics.

Front

What is a deep ocean trench?

Back

A deep, narrow valley in the ocean floor where one tectonic plate is being subducted under another.

Front

What is the Earth's lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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