8th Science Plate Tectonics

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory that Earth's crust and upper mantle are broken into sections (plates) that are in constant, slow motion.

Front

What is a transform fault?

Back

A type of fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally.

Front

What is the San Andreas Fault?

Back

A transform fault located in California, known for its significant seismic activity.

Front

What are rift valleys?

Back

Valleys formed when tectonic plates move away from each other, causing fractures in the Earth's crust.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

An underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics at divergent boundaries.

Front

What happens at convergent boundaries?

Back

Tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced under another.

Front

What is seafloor spreading?

Back

The process by which new oceanic crust is formed at mid-ocean ridges and gradually moves away from the ridge.

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates move away from each other.

Front

What is continental drift?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between oceanic and continental plates?

Back

Oceanic plates are denser and thinner than continental plates, which are thicker and less dense.