Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

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The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

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What is a Convergent Boundary?

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A plate boundary where two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to subduction.

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What is a Divergent Boundary?

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A plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust through sea-floor spreading.

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What is a Transform Boundary?

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A plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, leading to earthquakes.

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What is Sea-floor Spreading?

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The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

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What is Pangea?

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A supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, where all continents were joined together.

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What is Continental Drift?

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

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What is Subduction?

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

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What is the significance of Fossils in Plate Tectonics?

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Fossils of similar species found on different continents provide evidence for the theory of continental drift.

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What is the Glossopteris?

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A fossilized plant that provides evidence for continental drift, as its remains have been found on multiple continents.