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 are tectonic plates?

Back

Large, rigid pieces of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity.

Front

What is convection in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

A process where warm fluid expands, becomes less dense, rises, and then cools, becoming more dense and sinking, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle, which is rigid and broken into tectonic plates.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle, often causing earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred, often associated with tectonic plate boundaries.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, leading to subduction or mountain formation.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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