Plate Boundaries

Front

What is a tectonic plate?

Back

A tectonic plate is a large slab of crust and upper mantle that moves over the earth's surface.

Front

What does Pangaea mean?

Back

Pangaea means 'all land' and refers to the great landmass that existed millions of years ago.

Front

What type of boundary is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is where new crust forms as tectonic plates move apart.

Front

Who is credited with the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener is the scientist credited with the theory of continental drift, which led to the theory of plate tectonics.

Front

What happens at transform boundaries?

Back

At transform boundaries, two tectonic plates scrape and slide past each other.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is a subduction zone?

Back

A subduction zone is an area where one tectonic plate is being forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity.

Front

What is the difference between convergent and divergent boundaries?

Back

Convergent boundaries occur where plates collide, while divergent boundaries occur where plates move apart.

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs are often formed at convergent boundaries.

Front

What is the role of tectonic plates in earthquakes?

Back

Tectonic plates can cause earthquakes when they suddenly move or slide past each other, releasing built-up stress.