Plate Tectonics and 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 that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

Front

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

Back

Convergent, Divergent, and Transform boundaries.

Front

What occurs at a Convergent Boundary?

Back

Plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath another, leading to mountain formation, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.

Front

What is a Divergent Boundary?

Back

A plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new oceanic crust.

Front

What is a Transform Boundary?

Back

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

Front

What is Convection in the context of plate tectonics?

Back

The process by which heat from the Earth's interior causes the movement of molten rock in the mantle, driving the movement of tectonic plates.

Front

What landform is typically found at a Divergent Boundary?

Back

Mid-Ocean Ridge.

Front

What geological feature is formed at a Convergent Boundary?

Back

Mountains, deep ocean trenches, and volcanic arcs.

Front

What is Subduction?

Back

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

Front

What is Continental Drift?

Back

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