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 type of tectonic boundary where two plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

A region around the Pacific Ocean known for its high levels of earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the Asthenosphere, which is the semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere.

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The layer of the Earth located beneath the lithosphere, composed of semi-fluid rock that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate at a convergent boundary.