Plate Tectonics Flashcard

Front

What is the name of the single land mass that existed 200 million years ago?

Back

Pangea

Front

True or False: The tectonic plates are still moving today.

Back

True

Front

What is the process caused by the rising of heated fluid and sinking of cooled fluid?

Back

Convection Current

Front

What is the main idea of plate tectonics?

Back

The earth's crust is made of large pieces called plates that have moved over time.

Front

What causes the tectonic plates to move?

Back

Convection causing a rotation of the material in the mantle.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large pieces of the Earth's crust that move and interact with each other.

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent plate boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

Back

It is an area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for its high volcanic and seismic activity.