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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface through geological time, proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Divergent, Convergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What geologic feature is commonly associated with Divergent boundaries?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates move apart.

Front

What geologic feature is commonly associated with Convergent boundaries?

Back

Deep-ocean trenches and volcanic arcs, where tectonic plates collide.

Front

What is a Transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed around 200 million years ago, which eventually broke apart to form the current continents.

Front

What is the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by divergent tectonic plates in the Atlantic Ocean.

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

A region where one tectonic plate moves under another, leading to volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Front

What are rift valleys?

Back

Valleys formed at divergent boundaries where tectonic plates are pulling apart.