Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

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

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

The hypothesis that continents have moved over geological time and were once joined together as a single landmass.

Front

What are tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact at their boundaries.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move toward each other, often causing mountains or subduction.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other, often creating new crust.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

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

Front

What geological features are formed at convergent boundaries?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is convection in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

The movement of molten rock in the mantle that drives the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What evidence supports the Theory of Continental Drift?

Back

Fossil distribution, geological similarities, and the fit of continental coastlines.