Plate Tectonics - Continental Drift

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What is a convergent plate boundary?

Back

A convergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move towards each other, often causing one plate to be forced beneath the other, leading to mountain formation or volcanic activity.

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What is a divergent plate boundary?

Back

A divergent plate boundary is where two tectonic plates move away from each other, resulting in the formation of new crust, often seen at mid-ocean ridges.

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What is the Theory of Continental Drift?

Back

The Theory of Continental Drift states that all continents were once part of a single supercontinent called Pangaea, which broke apart and drifted to their current locations over millions of years.

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What evidence did Wegener use to support his theory?

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Wegener used evidence such as the fit of continental coastlines, fossil similarities across continents, and geological similarities to support his theory of continental drift.

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What is sea-floor spreading?

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Sea-floor spreading is the process by which new oceanic crust is created at mid-ocean ridges as tectonic plates pull apart, allowing magma to rise and solidify.

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What happens at transform plate boundaries?

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At transform plate boundaries, two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

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What is the mid-Atlantic ridge?

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The mid-Atlantic ridge is a divergent boundary located in the Atlantic Ocean where new oceanic crust is formed, creating the longest mountain range in the world.

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What are tectonic plates?

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Tectonic plates are large sections of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact with each other, causing geological activity such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

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What is subduction?

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Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced under another, often leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

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What is the significance of the Ring of Fire?

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The Ring of Fire is a major area in the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur due to tectonic plate boundaries.