Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

The shape of the continents, similar fossils found on separate continents, and tree fossils found in odd places.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the outermost layer of the Earth called?

Back

Crust.

Front

What is the mantle?

Back

The layer of the Earth between the crust and the core, composed of semi-solid rock that flows slowly.

Front

What is the core of the Earth?

Back

The innermost layer of the Earth, consisting of a solid inner core and a liquid outer core.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.