Plate Tectonics Review!

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by plate tectonics where seafloor spreading occurs.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

An ancient supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, where all continents were joined together.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

The sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What are rift zones?

Back

Areas where tectonic plates are moving apart, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the significance of magnetic stripes on the ocean floor?

Back

They provide evidence for seafloor spreading and the history of Earth's magnetic field changes.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, often causing earthquakes.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.