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.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A location where two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing earthquakes.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A location where two tectonic plates move apart from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A location where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the Earth's crust?

Back

The outermost layer of the Earth, which is solid and relatively thin compared to other layers.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of the Earth located between the crust and the outer core, composed of semi-solid rock.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

The layer of the Earth beneath the mantle, composed of liquid iron and nickel.

Front

What is the inner core?

Back

The solid innermost layer of the Earth, composed mainly of iron and nickel.