Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

Front

What is the theory that explains the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

Plate tectonics is the geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's plates are in constant, slow motion, driven by convection currents.

Front

What type of plate boundary occurs when two plates move away from each other?

Back

A divergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener is credited with developing the theory of continental drift.

Front

What does the Theory of Continental Drift state about Pangaea?

Back

The Theory of Continental Drift states that Pangaea broke apart and the continents drifted away from each other.

Front

Why was Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift initially rejected?

Back

Wegener's theory was not accepted because he had no proof of how the continents were moving.

Front

What is subduction in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate moves under another and is forced into the mantle.

Front

What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced below the other.

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

Sea floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and older crust is pushed away.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Evidence includes the fit of the continents, fossil distribution, and geological similarities across continents.

Front

What is a transform plate boundary?

Back

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