Plate Tectonics (LT 2.3)

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 happens at a convergent plate boundary?

Back

At a convergent plate boundary, two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below the other (subduction), leading to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

Define Subduction.

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle as the plates converge.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a Fault?

Back

A fault is a break in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, often associated with earthquakes.

Front

What are Divergent Boundaries?

Back

Divergent boundaries are areas where tectonic plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust, rifts, and ocean ridges.

Front

What is Pangaea?

Back

Pangaea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, which eventually split into the continents we know today.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

Evidence includes the fit of continental coastlines, fossil distribution, geological similarities across continents, and the presence of similar rock formations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

Front

What are Rifts?

Back

Rifts are linear zones where the Earth's crust is being pulled apart, often leading to the formation of new ocean basins.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

NGSS.HS-ESS2-1

Front

What is the Asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is a semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-3