Plate Tectonics

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another, often leading to the formation of mountains or ocean trenches.

Front

How do Earth's tectonic plates move?

Back

Earth's tectonic plates are constantly moving and changing the face of the Earth.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is the boundary where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other, forming new crust.

Front

What can tectonic plates do?

Back

Tectonic plates can move towards each other, move away from each other, or slide past each other.

Front

What was the name of the supercontinent?

Back

The name given to all the continents when they were joined as one supercontinent is Pangea.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is the Earth's lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a region in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate movements.