plate tectonics

Front

What is a deep-ocean trench?

Back

A valley in the ocean created when one lithosphere plate subducts under another.

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Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The idea that continents move around on Earth's surface.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What happens when oceanic plates collide with other plates?

Back

When an oceanic plate collides with another plate (either continental or oceanic), subduction of the denser plate occurs.

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Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

An ancient supercontinent made of the landmasses we know as our present-day continents.

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Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

A theory explaining how the tectonic plates (or lithosphere plates) on Earth's surface move.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large pieces of Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

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Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one lithosphere plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

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Front

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Back

Divergent, convergent, and transform boundaries.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Front

What occurs at divergent boundaries?

Back

Plates move apart, leading to the formation of new oceanic crust.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

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Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A boundary where two plates slide past each other horizontally.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1