plate tectonics

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What is plate tectonics?

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Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath.

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What was Pangea?

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Pangea was a supercontinent that existed around 200-250 million years ago, where all the continents were joined together before breaking apart into separate plates.

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What happens at a divergent boundary?

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At a divergent boundary, tectonic plates move apart from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen in mid-ocean ridges.

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What is a convergent boundary?

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A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, which can result in one plate being forced below another, leading to geological features like mountains or volcanic arcs.

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What is a transform boundary?

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A transform boundary is where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along faults.

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What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary between an oceanic plate and a continental plate?

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A volcanic arc is typically formed at this type of boundary.

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How does continental crust differ from oceanic crust?

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Continental crust is thicker and less dense than oceanic crust, which is thinner and denser.

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What is the lithosphere?

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The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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What is the asthenosphere?

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The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere, allowing tectonic plates to move.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another plate, often leading to volcanic activity.

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