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 continental drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface over geological time.

Front

What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossils, land features, and glacial movement.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often causing mountains or trenches.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart, often creating new oceanic crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is a fossil?

Back

Any trace of an ancient organism that has been preserved in rock.

Front

What is the mid-ocean ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where sea floor spreading occurs.