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 slabs of rock that make up the Earth's surface and move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

Where is the oldest sea floor found?

Back

Far away from the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What causes tectonic plates to move?

Back

Convection currents in the Earth's mantle.

Front

How does new crust form?

Back

When two tectonic plates spread apart and magma rises up.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are created by convergent boundaries?

Back

Tall mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the Earth's mantle on which tectonic plates float.