Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift Theory

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What is the Theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

The Theory of Plate Tectonics explains that the Earth's outer shell (lithosphere) is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle. This movement causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountains.

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What is Continental Drift?

Back

Continental Drift is the hypothesis that continents have moved across the Earth's surface to their current locations, proposed by Alfred Wegener.

Front

What evidence supports the Theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological formations, and the fit of the continents (like puzzle pieces) support the Theory of Continental Drift.

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What type of boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

The San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three main types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

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At a convergent boundary, two tectonic plates move toward each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.

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What is a divergent boundary?

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A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

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What is a transform boundary?

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

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Who proposed the Continental Drift Theory?

Back

Alfred Wegener proposed the Continental Drift Theory in the early 20th century.

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What geological feature is formed by continental/continental plate boundaries?

Back

Mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, are formed by continental/continental plate boundaries.