Ch. 17 Plate tectonics

Front

What type of features are associated with a divergent boundary?

Back

Rift valleys are associated with divergent boundaries, where tectonic plates move apart.

Front

What are the two types of crust?

Back

The two types of crust are continental crust and oceanic crust.

Front

What did Wegener suggest about coal beds discovered in Antarctica?

Back

Wegener suggested that coal beds in Antarctica indicated that this continent was once nearer the equator.

Front

What causes Earth's tectonic plates to move?

Back

Earth's tectonic plates move due to convection currents in the mantle.

Front

What mechanism moves continents based on heat energy?

Back

The mechanism that moves continents is convection in the Asthenosphere.

Front

Define tectonic plates.

Back

Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates collide, often forming mountains or causing subduction.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

Explain the theory of continental drift.

Back

The theory of continental drift states that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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