Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift

Front

What is a divergent boundary?

Back

A divergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, often resulting in the formation of new crust as magma rises to the surface.

Front

Who developed the theory of continental drift?

Back

Alfred Wegener is credited with developing the theory of continental drift, which suggests that continents were once joined together and have since drifted apart.

Front

What evidence supports the theory of continental drift?

Back

The presence of the same fossils and rocks on several continents supports the idea of continental drift, indicating that these continents were once connected.

Front

What is a convergent boundary?

Back

A convergent boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates collide or come together, often leading to the formation of mountains or subduction zones.

Front

What is a transform boundary?

Back

A transform boundary is a type of plate boundary where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, which can cause earthquakes.

Front

What is a convection current?

Back

A convection current is a process in the mantle where hot, plastic-like rock is forced upward toward the surface, cools, and then sinks back down, driving plate tectonics.

Front

What happens at a subduction zone?

Back

At a subduction zone, one tectonic plate is forced under another, leading to volcanic activity and the formation of deep ocean trenches.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the uppermost part of the mantle.

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What is the asthenosphere?

Back

The asthenosphere is the semi-fluid layer of the mantle beneath the lithosphere, where convection currents occur.

Front

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

Back

The theory of plate tectonics explains how the Earth's lithosphere is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact at their boundaries.