Plate Tectonics Practice

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth's crust that move and interact with each other.

Front

What causes the movement of tectonic plates?

Back

The movement of tectonic plates is caused by convection currents in the Asthenosphere.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental crust?

Back

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

Front

What is a plate boundary?

Back

A plate boundary is the region where two tectonic plates meet and interact.

Front

What are the three types of plate boundaries?

Back

The three types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

Front

What happens at a convergent boundary?

Back

At a convergent boundary, two plates move towards each other, often causing earthquakes and mountain formation.

Front

What happens at a divergent boundary?

Back

At a divergent boundary, two plates move away from each other, leading to the formation of new crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is where two plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and earthquakes.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

Evidence includes matching fossils found on different continents and the fit of continental coastlines.