Week 24 Vocabulary

Front

What is the definition of "continental drift"?

Back

The idea that the continents were once fused together but slowly drifted apart over time.

Front

What is the definition of "transform boundary"?

Back

Boundary where tectonic plates slide past each other in opposite directions.

Front

What is the definition of "convection current"?

Back

A type of thermal energy transfer in which differences in temperature and density of fluids make them rise and fall.

Front

What is the definition of a "theory"?

Back

An explanation for why a phenomenon occurs.

Front

What is the definition of a "hypothesis"?

Back

An idea that can be tested by experimentation or investigation.

Front

What is the definition of "tectonic plates"?

Back

More than a dozen distinct plates that make up Earth’s surface and slowly move in different directions.

Front

What is the definition of "divergent boundary"?

Back

Boundary where two tectonic plates move away, or diverge, from one another.

Front

What is the definition of "convergent boundary"?

Back

Boundary where two tectonic plates move together, or converge.

Front

What is the definition of "sedimentary rock"?

Back

Rock formed by the accumulation and compaction of mineral and organic particles.

Front

What is the definition of "earthquake"?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves.