Plate Tectonics Review

Front

What is the definition of plate tectonics?

Back

Plate tectonics is the scientific theory that describes the large-scale movements of Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the layer of the Earth located beneath the lithosphere, composed of semi-fluid rock that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a massive slab of solid rock that makes up the Earth's lithosphere and moves over the asthenosphere.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where tectonic plates are moving away from each other.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

Subduction is the process by which one tectonic plate moves under another plate and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What is the definition of a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

Oceanic crust is thinner and denser than continental crust, which is thicker and less dense.

Front

What is Pangea?

Back

Pangea was a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, believed to have been the origin of our current continents.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to tectonic plate movements.