Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes and Volcanoes

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Shearing forces that cause two blocks of crust to slide past each other horizontally.

Transform boundary.

Seismic waves that cause particles of rock material to move side to side in the direction the waves are traveling.

A break in the lithosphere along which movement has occurred during an earthquake.

The magnitude of an earthquake based on the amplitude of seismic waves.

The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Seismic waves that travel through the Earth's interior, including P Waves and S Waves.

Primary waves that are the fastest seismic waves and compress and expand the material they travel through.

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