Front

Tectonic Plate

Back

A rigid section of Earth's crust that moves over the mantle.

Front

Continental Drift

Back

The theory that continents have moved across Earth's surface over time.

Front

Plate Tectonics

Back

The scientific theory explaining the movement of Earth's plates and associated geological activity.

Front

Convergent Boundary

Back

A place where two tectonic plates move towards each other.

Front

Divergent Boundary

Back

A place where two tectonic plates move away from each other.

Front

Transform Boundary

Back

A place where tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

Subduction

Back

The process where one plate sinks beneath another into the mantle.

Front

Seafloor Spreading

Back

New ocean crust forms as magma rises at mid-ocean ridges and spreads outward.

Front

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plates moving apart.

Front

Ocean Trench

Back

A deep valley in the ocean floor formed where one plate is subducted under another.