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 one another.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below another.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by seafloor spreading at divergent boundaries.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart.

Front

How do tectonic plates move?

Back

They move due to convection currents in the mantle beneath them.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.