Plate Tectonics 7.10A

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

A scientific theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust moves away.

Front

Where are the oldest rocks on the seafloor located?

Back

Farthest from the mid-ocean ridge.

Front

What geological feature is formed at mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges are formed when tectonic plates move away from each other.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

Seafloor spreading, the age of rocks, and the distribution of earthquakes and volcanoes.

Front

Why was Wegener's theory of continental drift initially rejected?

Back

He had no proof of how the continents were moving.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced under another.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by seafloor spreading between the Eurasian and North American plates.