Continental Drift, Plate Tectonics and Seafloor Spreading

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

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

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The scientific theory that explains the movement of Earth's plates and the processes that occur at their boundaries.

Front

What is Seafloor Spreading?

Back

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

Front

What does a Conveyor Belt represent in geology?

Back

It represents the movement of tectonic plates during seafloor spreading.

Front

What happens during Seafloor Spreading?

Back

New oceanic crust is created as magma rises to the surface at mid-ocean ridges.

Front

Why was Wegener's theory of Continental Drift initially rejected?

Back

He could not explain HOW the continents moved.

Front

What is the average density of continental crust?

Back

2.8 g/cm³.

Front

What is the average density of oceanic crust?

Back

3.2 g/cm³.

Front

What occurs when oceanic and continental plates collide?

Back

The oceanic plate sinks under the continental plate due to its higher density.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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