Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large slabs of rock that make up Earth's surface and move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

The supercontinent that existed around 335 million years ago, where all continents were once connected.

Front

What happens at a transform boundary?

Back

Plates slide past each other, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

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