Plate Tectonics

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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with one another, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates collide, leading to mountain formation, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is the law of superposition?

Back

A geological principle stating that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

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NGSS.MS-ESS1-4

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to the movement of tectonic plates.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes when stress is released.

Front

What is a tsunami?

Back

A series of ocean waves caused by large underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3