The Theory of Plate Tectonics

a plate boundary where two plates move away from each other

• Spreading boundary (divergent)

• Sliding boundary (transform)

• Colliding boundary (convergent)

• plate

a plate boundary where two plates move past each other in opposite directions

• Spreading boundary (divergent)

• Sliding boundary (transform)

• Colliding boundary (convergent)

• plate

a plate boundary where two plates move toward each other

• Spreading boundary (divergent)

• Sliding boundary (transform)

• Colliding boundary (convergent)

• plate

a section of the lithosphere (crust) that slowly moves over the asthenosphere, carrying pieces of continental and oceanic crust

• Spreading boundary (divergent)

• Sliding boundary (transform)

• Colliding boundary (convergent)

• plate

a break in Earth's crust where masses of rock slip past each other

• fault

• rift valley

• scientific theory

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

a deep valley on land that forms where two plates move apart

• fault

• rift valley

• scientific theory

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

a well-tested concept that explains a wide range of observations

• fault

• rift valley

• scientific theory

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

the theory that pieces of Earth's lithosphere (crust) are in constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle; it combines the concepts of continental drift, sea-floor spreading, and Earth's plates

• fault

• rift valley

• scientific theory

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

where two plates meet

• plate boundary

• rift valley

• Convection Currents

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Circular currents in the mantle caused by the magma being heated by the core of the Earth.

• plate boundary

• rift valley

• Convection Currents

• Theory of Plate Tectonics

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1