Learn Unit 12 Vocabulary: Plate Tectonics 1

A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results.

(Theory of Continental Drift, Theory of Plate Tectonics)

​Scientific Theory

the idea that Earth's continents move slowly over the surface

​Continental drift

the supercontinent that existed 300 million years ago

​Pangea

the theory states that earth's plates are in slow, constant motion driven by convection currents in the mantle

​Plate Tectonics

facts or data used to support a claim

​ Evidence

a piece of the lithosphere that moves around on the asthenosphere

​ tectonic plate

a place where two tectonic plates move away from one another

​divergent boundary

a place where two tectonic plates move toward one another

​convergent boundary

a place where two tectonic plates slip past one another

​transform boundary

the relatively thick part of earth's crust that forms the large landmasses

​continental crust

the relatively thin, but dense part of earth's crust that the ocean sits on top of

​oceanic crust

Match

Match the following

• convergent

• divergent

• transform boundary

• tectonic plate

• Pangea

move together

move apart

move in opposite directions

piece of lithosphere

300 million

years ago

• move together

• move apart

• move in opposite directions

• piece of lithosphere

• 300 million

  years ago