Continental Drift and Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of continental drift?

Back

The theory of continental drift states that the continents had once been joined in a single landmass and have since drifted apart.

Front

Who proposed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift.

Front

What type of boundary is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

The San Andreas Fault is a transform boundary.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process where a heavier, denser plate slides under a less dense plate.

Front

Which two continents fit together like pieces of a puzzle according to Wegener?

Back

South America and Africa fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a converging boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is a diverging boundary?

Back

A diverging boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Fossil evidence, geological similarities, and the fit of continents support the theory of continental drift.

Front

What is plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movement of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.