Tectonic Plates

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains how the Earth's plates move and interact, leading to the formation of continents, ocean basins, and various geological features.

Front

What is the difference between continental crust and oceanic crust?

Back

Continental crust is thicker and less dense, primarily composed of granite, while oceanic crust is thinner and denser, primarily composed of basalt.

Front

What happens during a continental-continental plate collision?

Back

Continental-continental plate collisions produce tall mountain ranges due to the compression and uplift of the crust.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, which later contributed to the development of the theory of plate tectonics.

Front

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three types of plate boundaries are divergent (plates move apart), convergent (plates collide), and transform (plates slide past each other).

Front

What geological features are formed at divergent boundaries?

Back

At divergent boundaries, new oceanic crust is formed, leading to features like mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to the formation of deep ocean trenches and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is the Ring of Fire?

Back

The Ring of Fire is a region in the Pacific Ocean known for its high volcanic and seismic activity, caused by the movement of tectonic plates.