Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

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

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper 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 are the three types of plate boundaries?

Back

Divergent, Convergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at divergent boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, often seen in mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What occurs at convergent boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates collide, which can cause mountains to form or one plate to be subducted beneath another.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

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