Front

What is the Plate Tectonic Theory?

Back

The Plate Tectonic Theory explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates move apart, pushing the continents away from each other.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

Continental drift is the theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a single landmass called Pangaea.

Front

What type of plate boundary occurs when two plates collide?

Back

A convergent boundary occurs when two tectonic plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries can form mountain ranges, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs due to the collision and subduction of tectonic plates.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Evidence for continental drift includes the distribution of similar fossils across continents, the fit of continental coastlines, and geological similarities between distant landmasses.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.