Ch. 3 Plate Tectonics

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The geological theory that states that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant, slow motion.

Front

What process adds new crust to the ocean floor?

Back

Sea-floor spreading.

Front

What was Pangea?

Back

The name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.

Front

What happens along a divergent boundary?

Back

Two plates move apart, not slip past each other.

Front

What causes the movement of Earth's plates?

Back

Convection currents in the mantle.

Front

Define lithosphere.

Back

The rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and upper mantle.

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 subduction?

Back

The process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the mantle.

Front

What are mid-ocean ridges?

Back

Underwater mountain ranges formed by sea-floor spreading.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together.