Tectonic Plate Boundaries and Related Concepts

Front

Divergent Boundary

Back

A linear feature that exists between two tectonic plates that are moving away from each other.

Front

Convergent Boundary

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, come together, or crash into each other.

Front

Transform Boundary

Back

A plate boundary where two plates move past each other in opposite directions.

Front

Mid-ocean Ridge

Back

An underwater mountain chain where new ocean floor is formed.

Front

Sea-floor Spreading

Back

The process by which new oceanic lithosphere forms as magma rises toward the surface and solidifies.

Front

Subduction Zone

Back

The region where an oceanic plate sinks down into the asthenosphere at a convergent boundary, usually between continental and oceanic plates.

Front

Ocean Trench

Back

A deep, underwater trough created by one plate subducting under another plate at a convergent plate boundary.

Front

Continental Drift

Back

The hypothesis that states that the continents once formed a single landmass, broke up, and drifted to their present locations.

Front

Continental Ridge

Back

Where the steep continental slope merges into a more gradual decline. Marks the boundary between continental crust and oceanic crust.

Front

Pangea

Back

Term for the super continent which contained all the plates together.