Plate Tectonics

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 tectonic plates?

Back

Large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

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

Front

What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The semi-fluid layer of the upper mantle beneath the lithosphere that allows tectonic plates to move.

Front

What happens at convergent plate boundaries?

Back

Two tectonic plates move towards each other, often resulting in one plate being forced below the other, leading to subduction.

Front

What is subduction?

Back

The process by which one tectonic plate is forced under another plate into the mantle.

Front

What occurs at divergent plate boundaries?

Back

Two tectonic plates move apart from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new crust.

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fracture in the Earth's crust along which movement has occurred.

Front

What causes earthquakes?

Back

Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust due to movement along faults or plate boundaries.

Front

What is the outer core?

Back

The liquid layer of the Earth's core, composed mainly of iron and nickel, located beneath the mantle.