Plate Tectonics

Front

What causes the earth's plates to move?

Back

Convection currents within the mantle cause the earth's plates to move as molten material rises and falls due to density and gravity.

Front

What geological features are created by divergent plate movement?

Back

Divergent plate movement can create rifts and ocean ridges.

Front

What was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?

Back

Pangea.

Front

What type of boundary occurs when two tectonic plates move apart?

Back

Divergent boundary.

Front

What is the primary source of energy that drives plate movement?

Back

Convection currents in the asthenosphere.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below another (subduction).

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and is forced into the mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.