Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift

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What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

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What causes the movement of Earth's tectonic plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle.

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What is Continental Drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together in a supercontinent.

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What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, often forming mountains or causing earthquakes.

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What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust.

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What is a transform boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes.

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What was Pangea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed around 250 million years ago, where all continents were joined together.

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What is subduction?

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

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What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A transform fault in California known for its seismic activity and earthquakes.

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What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.