Plate Tectonics

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What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that explains the movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates.

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Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large slabs of rock that make up the Earth's surface and move over the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

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Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A type of tectonic boundary where two plates collide, often creating mountains or causing one plate to be forced under another.

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Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic boundary where two plates move apart, leading to the formation of new crust, such as at mid-ocean ridges.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-3

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

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What is Pangea?

Back

The supercontinent that existed around 335 million years ago, where all continents were once connected.

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Front

What geological feature is formed at a convergent boundary?

Back

Tall mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Front

What geological feature is formed at a divergent boundary?

Back

Mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys.

Front

What is sea floor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is created at divergent boundaries as tectonic plates move apart.

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What is subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

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