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 is a tectonic plate?

Back

A large, rigid piece of the Earth's lithosphere that moves and interacts with other plates.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move apart, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What happens at a subduction zone?

Back

An oceanic plate is forced under a continental plate, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A transform boundary located in California, known for its frequent earthquakes.

Front

How are mountains formed?

Back

Mountains are formed when two continental plates collide, causing the land to buckle and rise.

Front

What is sea-floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart.

Front

What is an earthquake?

Back

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves, often caused by tectonic plate movements.