8th Science 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.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of Plate Tectonics?

Back

Evidence includes the matching of rock ages and types across continents, fossil records of similar organisms on different continents, and the presence of mid-ocean ridges and ocean trenches.

Front

What is a Divergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust, such as mid-ocean ridges.

Front

What is a Convergent Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.

Front

What is a Transform Plate Boundary?

Back

A boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes, such as the San Andreas Fault.

Front

What is a Mid-Ocean Ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by the upwelling of magma at divergent plate boundaries, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What are Ocean Trenches?

Back

Deep, narrow depressions in the ocean floor formed at convergent plate boundaries where one plate is subducted beneath another.

Front

How do Fossil Records support Plate Tectonics?

Back

Fossils of the same species have been found on continents that are now separated by oceans, indicating that these continents were once connected.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of mountain ranges.

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The gradual movement of continents across the Earth's surface through geological time, a concept that is part of the theory of Plate Tectonics.