Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

The movement of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density, which drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.