Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent called Pangea.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where a heavier, denser tectonic plate slides under a lighter, less dense plate.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is the mid-Atlantic ridge?

Back

The longest mountain chain in the world, formed by divergent tectonic activity.

Front

What was Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed about 250 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.